News

Rep. George Santos Surrenders After Justice Department Files Criminal Charges Against Him

Embattled Rep. George Santos (R-New York) faces federal criminal charges from the Justice Department following a months-long investigation into his campaign conduct. He has been charged with wire fraud, money laundering, illegally procuring public funds and lying on federal disclosure forms.

Santos turned himself into authorities on Wednesday morning. New York and Washington prosecutors had been looking into potential ethics and campaign finance violations.

The criminal charges do not impact Santos’s Congressional standing unless there is further party pressure from top Republicans. Congress members with active investigations and criminal trials can legally maintain their seats during their trials.

The first-year congressman lied about his professional background, educational background, ethnicity and charitable donations.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Santos faced public scrutiny for his lies before being sworn in. He gave up his House committee assignments weeks into his House tenure. Despite growing pressure, the congressman filed paperwork to seek reelection in 2024.

“I’ll look at the charges,” Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said following the report.

While leading Republicans haven’t taken steps to hold Santos accountable, some GOP members have joined the chorus of Democrats calling for Santos to step down.

“I reiterate my call for George Santos to step down,” fellow New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler said in a statement. “Resign.”

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-New York) didn’t go as far as to ask Santos to resign. Speaking to reporters, Malliotakis pointed to Republican success during the midterm elections in New York state, saying Santos’ lying stands in the way of the GOP capitalizing on their wins.

Ben Shimkus

Share
Published by
Ben Shimkus

Recent Posts

After Federal Court Rules Against Trump’s Tariffs, President’s Trade Policy Becomes Even More Chaotic

A panel of federal judges has struck down President Donald Trump's tariffs imposed on dozens…

13 hours ago

Egged On By Right-Wing Conspiracy Theorists, Trump Wants To Visit Fort Knox To Make Sure Gold Is Still There

President Donald Trump wants to personally visit Fort Knox, which holds the United States Bullion…

13 hours ago

Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful’ Budget Bill Shifts Resources From Nation’s Poorest To Weathiest, CBO Says

Despite two Republicans crossing the aisle to side with every Democrat voting no, President Donald…

15 hours ago

VIDEO: Sen. Joni Ernst Justifies GOP Cuts To Medicare At Iowa Town Hall: ‘Well, We All Are Going to Die’

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XoYMPUgCLx4 During a town hall on May 30, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst (R) responded to…

20 hours ago

HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Says He’ll Ban Agency Scientists From Publishing Findings In Prestigious Medical Journals

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. threatened to prohibit government scientists…

2 days ago

As He Exits Administration, Elon Musk Criticizes Trump Budget Bill For Exploding Deficit

Elon Musk took to social media to criticize the Republican budget bill that recently passed…

2 days ago