In a surprising turn of events, former Congressman George Santos, who was recently expelled from Congress, has found a new way to make some cash. Santos has joined Cameo, a popular website where people can pay celebrities to create personalized videos for special occasions. Santos’ Cameo profile describes him as a “former congressional ‘icon'” and “The Expelled member of Congress from New York City.” Interested individuals can book a personal video with Santos starting at $200.
Santos is not the first politician to turn to Cameo for extra income. Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Roger Stone are among the former politicos who have joined the platform. This move comes as Santos faces serious legal trouble, with federal prosecutors accusing him of duping donors, stealing from his campaign, and lying to Congress. These charges are outlined in a 23-count indictment.
The House of Representatives voted to expel Santos last week after a scathing ethics report highlighted his misconduct. This expulsion makes Santos the sixth member in the chamber’s history to be ousted by colleagues and the third since the Civil War. The vote to expel was 311-114, surpassing the two-thirds majority required. Despite opposition from House Republican leaders, 105 GOP lawmakers sided with the majority of Democrats to remove Santos from office.
Santos’ fall from grace has been a dramatic one. Once celebrated as an up-and-coming political figure after flipping a district from Democrats last year, Santos’ reputation began to unravel before he even took office. Reports surfaced alleging that he had lied about his Jewish ancestry, career background, and educational qualifications. The federal indictments in May further compounded his troubles, transforming his presence in Congress into a growing distraction and embarrassment for the party.
With Santos’ expulsion, the GOP’s majority is narrowed to 221-213, creating an opportunity for Democrats to fill the vacant seat. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Despite the controversies surrounding his departure from Congress, Santos’ decision to join Cameo underscores the financial challenges he now faces. As the legal battle unfolds, Santos will likely incur significant legal expenses. His move to Cameo offers him a means to generate income and support himself during this tumultuous period.
Bradford Betz is a Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more. Stay updated with the latest developments from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and other political content by subscribing to his newsletter.
