SHOCK: Fox News, CNN, MSNBC Shoot Down Prospect of George Santos Hire
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images
There are a few well trodden paths for former members of Congress, erstwhile White House officials and failed presidential candidates. They can choose a life of lobbying, making up for the lost time of a government salary. They can score lucrative board seats. They can also, if they have a strong enough jawline and a thirst for the cameras, join a cable news network. These days, the sets and green rooms of cable news studios are packed with former elected officials seeking the star-power bestowed by airtime and proximity to famous anchors.
So what’s next for George Santos, the serial fabulist and attention-hound who last week joined the small and ignoble club of congressman who have been expelled from the chamber? The first hurdle is the criminal justice system: Santos faces a bevy of federal charges related to alleged fraud and campaign finance violations. He has pleaded not guilty.
His fight to remain in Congress is certainly over. “Why would I want to stay here?” Santos told reporters following his expulsion after a devastating ethics investigation. “To hell with this place.”
The only comments he’s made about his next steps suggests he plans a revenge tour, targeting his former Republican colleagues in the House for their betrayal. Santos did not respond to a request for comment.
Say what you want about Santos, there is no disputing his power as an entertainer. When the ethics investigation found he misused campaign funds, the examples were spectacular: Santos allegedly splurged on porn, Ferragamo and Botox. “Icon” is perhaps the only word used more often than “liar” to describe him.
So why not a career on television? Mediaite reached out to spokespeople and sources at the cable news networks to see if they planned to hire Santos following his expulsion from Congress.
The major cable news networks were unequivocal.
A network source said NBC News and MSNBC “have no plans” of exploring any kind of relationship with the former congressman. A spokesperson for CNN said the network does not plan on speaking with him. A Fox News source said “we have no intention of entertaining that notion.” A NewsNation spokesperson said the network will not be hiring Santos.
OAN, which has aired commentary critical of Santos, said through a spokesperson: “We are unaware of Mr. Santos seeking a position in media. Nor have we reached out to him.”
Newsmax, where Santos has appeared frequently in recent weeks, did not respond to a request for comment.
It’s not surprising that the cable news industry is outright rejecting Santos, a twice-indicted fabulist known primarily for fabricating almost every detail of his resume and personal life. If he does have a next chapter, it will likely be outside the news industry.
