U.S. Rep. George Santos said Thursday he would not stoop to smear the reputations of fellow House Republicans hoping to see him expelled, moments after he called one of them an accused “woman-beater.”
Santos was snapping back at Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) during a debate on a resolution to expel the embroiled New York Republican, subject of a damning Ethics Committee report that found he spent campaign funds on botox and OnlyFans.
Miller had just broken with House protocol to address Santos directly, saying “You, sir, are a crook.”
“The same colleague was accused of being a woman-beater,” Santos, addressing the chair, replied. “We all have pasts.”
Miller in 2021 was accused of domestic abuse by a former White House staffer whom he later sued for defamation, according to reports. Miller denied his ex-partner’s claims, which she stood by.
Santos then went on to condemn those calling for his ouster, arguing he was above personal insult.
"I can go and read about all my colleagues," Santos said, glancing down at a sheet of paper he held in his hand. "I'm not going to stand here to smear them...I refuse to stoop to that level."
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Video of the encounter went viral on X with viewers sharing what the exchange did to their faith in members of the House of Representatives.
"The Republican Party ladies and gentlemen," wrote @Tommy_W1587.
"George Santos—Stands there and says terrible things about his colleagues," added Feminist Wild. "Also George Santos—“I’m not going to stand here and say terrible things about my colleagues.”
Steven B. Rogers said of Miller, "Dude looks like the bad guy from an 80s movie with a Peter Cetera soundtrack amirite?"
The winner of the public relations battle appears to be a man seated behind Santos who quietly expressed his surprise.
As one user described his expression, "This is the look of enjoyment that can only come from watching Maury."
