George Santos Ousted from House in Historic Vote, Marking Third Expulsion in U.S. History

Washington D.C., December 1st, 2023 – In a historic vote, the House of Representatives expelled New York Republican George Santos on December 1st, making him only the third member to be ousted since the Civil War. Facing accusations of fabricating his biography and federal charges related to stolen donor funds, Santos’ downfall came after a tumultuous year in office.

Over 100 fellow Republicans joined Democrats in voting for his expulsion, achieving the required two-thirds majority. The final tally stood at 311-114. Despite pleas from both parties for him to step down and numerous media reports exposing discrepancies in his background, Santos refused to resign and vowed not to seek reelection.

Santos’ troubles began shortly after his November 2022 election, when media outlets began scrutinizing his claims regarding his education, employment history, and family heritage. These claims, later found to be false, included attending prestigious universities, holding high-profile Wall Street jobs, and having relatives who perished in the 9/11 attacks.

Facing mounting pressure, Santos was indicted on federal fraud charges in January 2023. He has pleaded not guilty to the 23-count indictment, which alleges he used stolen donor funds to finance a lavish lifestyle including luxury clothing, rent, and travel.

The House Ethics Committee conducted an investigation into Santos’ conduct, concluding in a scathing 56-page report that documented his alleged misuse of campaign funds and deceit surrounding his biography. This report ultimately fueled the momentum for his expulsion.

Santos’ expulsion marks a significant moment in American political history. It sends a clear message that even elected officials are not immune to accountability for wrongdoing. The vote also underscores the growing public intolerance for dishonesty and political misconduct.

While Santos’ fate in the legal system remains uncertain, his expulsion from Congress is undoubtedly a major setback for his political career. The repercussions of his actions will likely continue to be felt for years to come.