The New York congressman faces serious federal charges but insists he will fight and continue his re-election campaign.
Following his arrest on federal charges, George Santos, the Republican congressman from New York, has categorically dismissed the accusations as a “witch hunt” and vowed to continue his political career.
Santos, 34, was arrested on Wednesday morning and arraigned on charges including fraud, theft of public funds, and money laundering. Speaking to the media outside a federal courthouse, he expressed his intention to clear his name.
“It’s a witch hunt,” Santos said defiantly. “I’m going to fight my battle. I’ll fight this witch hunt, and I’m going to take care of clearing my name. I’m going to run for re-election.”
The charges against Santos stem from a series of allegations related to his congressional campaign. Federal prosecutors claim that Santos falsified financial disclosure forms and used political donations for personal expenses, including luxury items and credit card payments. They also allege that he engaged in an unemployment insurance fraud scheme before his successful election campaign.
Santos, who represents New York’s 3rd District, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The 13-count indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, highlights a pattern of dishonesty, with prosecutors accusing Santos of using deception to secure his seat in Congress and to enrich himself.
A New York Times investigation revealed numerous fabrications about Santos’s personal life, including false claims about his education, employment history, and involvement in charity work. The revelations have sparked local protests calling for his resignation, with many Republicans urging him to step down. However, Republican leaders, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have shown reluctance to take action, leaving his future in Congress uncertain.
Despite the growing pressure, Santos maintains his innocence and has refused to resign. He was released on a $500,000 bond after his arraignment and is expected to face trial in the coming months.
The charges are part of a broader scrutiny of Santos’s conduct since his election in November 2022, including past allegations of writing bad checks for purchasing puppies.
