Mitt Romney says George Santos is 'a sick puppy'


Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) didn't mince words on Tuesday night, telling reporters he thinks Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) is "a sick puppy" who had no business in an aisle seat during President Biden's State of the Union address.
Before the address started, Romney was spotted having a tense exchange with Santos, who has been surrounded by scandal ever since being elected in November. In the last few months, it's been revealed that Santos lied about his work, family, and educational history, and he's been accused of, among other things, campaign finance violations and stealing money from a GoFundMe set up to help a disabled veteran's dying dog get surgery.
During their back-and-forth, Romney told Santos he does not belong in Congress, a person who was near the action told NBC News. After the State of the Union, Romney elaborated on the matter, telling reporters that Santos is "a sick puppy. He shouldn't have been there. Given the fact that he's under ethics investigation, he should be sitting in the back row and being quiet instead of parading in front of the president." In response, Santos took it back to 2012, tweeting, "Hey @MittRomney just a reminder that you will NEVER be PRESIDENT!"
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Earlier in the day, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) shared with reporters that several ethics complaints have been registered against Santos. A McCarthy aide later announced that the House Ethics Committee has not yet launched an investigation because the panel hasn't been organized.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
5 cracking cartoons about the new Cracker Barrel logo
Cartoons Artists take on MAGA designs, real issues, and more
-
Should you downsize for retirement? Here's what to consider.
The Explainer Moving to a smaller place may seem easier, but there are also some real benefits to staying put
-
What to do if you want to move but don't want to give up your low mortgage rate
the explainer 30-year mortgage rates are currently averaging 7% — and homeowners who secured rates closer to 3% during the pandemic are reluctant to sell their homes
-
RFK Jr. names new CDC head as staff revolt
Speed Read Kennedy installed his deputy, Jim O'Neill, as acting CDC director
-
DC prosecutors lose bid to indict sandwich thrower
Speed Read Prosecutors sought to charge Sean Dunn with assaulting a federal officer
-
White House fires new CDC head amid agency exodus
Speed Read CDC Director Susan Monarez was ousted after butting heads with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccines
-
DOGE put Social Security data at risk, official says
Speed Read DOGE workers made the personal information of hundreds of millions of Americans vulnerable to identity theft
-
Court rejects Trump suit against Maryland US judges
Speed Read Judge Thomas Cullen, a Trump appointee, said the executive branch had no authority to sue the judges
-
Trump expands National Guard role in policing
Speed Read The president wants the Guard to take on a larger role in domestic law enforcement
-
Trump says he's firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
Speed Read The move is likely part of Trump's push to get the central bank to cut interest rates
-
Abrego released from jail, faces Uganda deportation
Speed Read The wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego García is expected to be detained at an ICE check-in and deported to Uganda