Explosive Report Says George Santos Lied About Background

Explosive report from the New York Times suggests Congressman Elect George Santos may have lied about major events in his life. The Long Island Republican’s win in a Blue District helped give the GOP control of the house. But CBS 2’s, Carolyn Gusoff shows us there are growing calls for him to resign even before he’s sworn in.

34-year-old George Santos turned a blue district red to represent Nassau’s North Shore in parts of Queens by campaigning as a seasoned financier. But this New York Times investigative story calls into question key parts of the resume he sold to voters. Employers and alma maters Santos listed have no record of him, including City Group and Goldman Sachs, Baruch College and NYU. Other parts of his resume may be largely fiction, a purported non-profit animal rescue, claims he lost employees at the Pulse nightclub shooting. The Times review of public documents and court filings found criminal charges for check fraud in Brazil, eviction cases against him and raised campaign finance questions.

This is not about resume padding. This is allegations about the fact he lied on his house ethics forms, allegations about him lie about his personal finances, where his money came from for his campaign. What’s most troubling is George Santos refusal to answer any questions about this at all.

During the campaign, Robert Zimmerman, his democratic opponent, had called out inconsistencies. Santo’s attorney calls the story a shotgun blast of attacks. It is no surprise that Congressman elect Santos has enemies at the New York Times who are attempting to smear his good name with these defamatory allegations. The leader of the Nassau Republican Party said George Santos deserves an opportunity to address the claims detailed in the article. The Times couldn’t even find evidence he lives at the address where he’s registered to vote.

The totality of it is just so astounding that I don’t think that the Congress should seat him. Frankly, it’s within their purview to decide to seat someone or not. This is not the person that voters chose to elect.

Some are calling on Santos to resign.

To lie about where he lives, where he went to college, to lie about his employees dying in a mass shooting. This is somebody disqualified to run for office.

Political observers point out little can be done unless any alleged mischaracterization amounts to a crime.

It’s extremely rare throughout the history of this country that Congress has actually expelled one of their own. Unfortunately, lying on your resume is not a problem for running for office. Voters will just have to wait for the next election to be able to have their say.

Santo’s attorney says he is discussing the Congressman elect response. His former opponent says a response is already overdue.

(02:48)
In Great Neck, Long Island, Carolyn Gusoff, CBS 2 News.

Now The Times also found no evidence of the $80 million Family Investment Firm Santos has said he manages. And for a link to the New York Times article, just go to our website, cbsnewyork.com.