Representative Matt Gaetz defended George Santos on the House floor, arguing against his expulsion. Gaetz compared Santos to Senator Menendez, highlighting Menendez's indictment and possession of gold bars from Egypt while still receiving classified briefings. Gaetz expressed that Santos' actions with Botox and OnlyFans were less concerning to him than Menendez's situation. Santos appeared embarrassed as Gaetz made the comparison and suggested he was being expelled for superficial reasons.
Matt Gaetz Urges Against Expelling George Santos – ‘Whoever He Is’ https://t.co/GKiQhaIV9A
Matt Gaetz on the resolution to expel George Santos: "Whatever Mr. Santos did with Botox or OnlyFans is far less concerning to me than the indictment against Sen. Menendez who’s holding gold bars from Egypt while he is still getting classified briefings." https://t.co/Hzt6KPPwCF
.@RepMattGaetz: "Whatever Mr. Santos did with Botox or OnlyFans is far less concerning to me than the indictment against Senator Menendez who's holding gold bars inscribed with Arabic on them from Egypt...but he's not getting thrown out of the Senate!" https://t.co/XH2YrpqMDn
“Whatever Mr. Santos did with Botox or OnlyFans is far less concerning to me than the indictment against Sen. Menendez who’s holding gold bars … from Egypt while he is still getting classified briefings.” — Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) on resolution to expel Rep. George Santos (R-NY) https://t.co/xsfF9EJ4Mw
Santos laughing somewhat embarrassedly as Gaetz suggest he's only getting thrown out for "Botox and OnlyFans" and compares Santos to Menendez
"I rise not to defend George Santos, whoever he is," Matt Gaetz says after Santos yields him time to speak. Says he's arguing against the precedent expulsion would set.
Matt Gaetz now speaking on George Santos's defense on the floor