Rep. George Santos describes his launch to Congress as attention befitting an “it girl,” a phrase typically reserved for a popular socialite who rubs elbows with the most famous people.

But the adjective most commonly used before the New York Republican’s name is “embattled.”

Santos started his first term mired in scandal, admitting much of his personal and professional resume was fabricated. The lies ranged from being a volleyball star at a college he never attended to alleged fraud for which he is facing 23 federal charges.

After nearly a year full of revelations, accusations and challenges, Santos said he expects his first term to be his last after a recent House Ethics Committee report said the freshman representative violated criminal laws.

“You want to expel me? I’ll wear it like a badge of honor. I’ll be the sixth expelled member of Congress,” Santos said Friday morning during an X Spaces, formerly Twitter Spaces, hosted by Monica Matthews.

  • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    But the adjective most commonly used before the New York Republican’s name is “embattled.”

    That it’s not “fundamentally dishonest” or just “usually lying” shows how useless billionaire-owned media is at holding the rich and powerful accountable.

    • lolcatnip
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      10 months ago

      Calling him dishonest doesn’t distinguish him from typical Republicans, though.

      • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.world
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        10 months ago

        True, but the “fundamentally” part implies an inability or unwillingness to EVER be honest that sets him apart from even your typical Republican as more of a liar. Such a thing shouldn’t even be possible but here we are 🤷

    • Nastybutler@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      Santos is not rich, at least not with his own money, and he’s the least powerful member of Congress, so really, not that powerful

      • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.world
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        10 months ago

        Santos is not rich, at least not with his own money

        But has enough access, opportunistic tendencies and dishonesty to be rich on other people’s money

        the least powerful member of Congress

        Still comes with a lot of power and privileges, especially when you’re part of the club that’s good friends with all the Federalist Society judges…