Matt Gaetz laments precedent of potential George Santos expulsion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz slammed the precedent that would be set if New York Republican Rep. George Santos gets expelled over an ethics committee report alleging wrongdoing.

The report claimed Santos violated campaign finance laws.

A vote will have to occur this week after a bipartisan effort forcing the House decide on such action against Santos succeeded.

“This expulsion vote simply undermines and underscores the precedent that we’ve had in this chamber,” the New York congressman said. “It starts and puts us in a new direction, a dangerous one.”

Gaetz drew parallels to former Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., who pled guilty in 2019 to campaign finance violations.

“Both were indicted for misuse of campaign funds,” Gaetz said. “Duncan spent his on girlfriends, travel, tuition and home improvement.”

“Santos spent his on personal lavishes and other cooky stuff (per indictment),” he said. “Duncan was allowed to serve until convicted. Santos will be the first congressman expelled absent a conviction.”

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Wednesday he has “reservations” about expelling Santos before any conviction.

“The Republican Party is the ‘rule of law’ team,” Johnson said.

He pointed to arguments from both sides of the Santos expulsion debate, including those who want to uphold the rule of law by expelling the congressman versus those who urge maintaining existing precedent of not taking such harsh action until Santos is potentially convicted.

“We’re gonna allow people to vote their conscience,” Johnson said.

“I’m concerned about a precedent that may be set for that,” he said.

Santos was elected in 2022.

The vote is set to take place Thursday.