Former GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan calls on Rep. George Santos to resign: 'This isn't an embellished candidacy, it's a fraudulent candidacy'

U.S. Rep.-elect George Santos (R-NY) watches proceedings during the fourth day of elections for Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

• Rep. George Santos lied about key details of his life, education, and background.
• Former GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan told CNN's Jake Tapper that Santos should resign.
• "I can't imagine the guy is going to stay very long," Ryan told Tapper.  

Former GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan doesn't believe Rep. George Santos of New York will be able to hold onto his seat in the House of Representatives.

Before the midterm elections, The North Shore Leader published a story questioning Santos's source of income and real estate holdings. And Before being sworn into Congress last week, The New York Times published a report revealing that he fabricated a large chunk of his resume. Reports continued to trickle out revealing he was dishonest about his life experiences, background, and more. 

The revelations have led to calls for his resignation.

Ryan, who decided not to seek reelection in 2018 after serving as House Speaker, was asked about Santos by CNN's Jake Tapper on Thursday.

"Congressman George Santos, he's lied about apparently everything on his resumé," Tapper said to Ryan Capping off a 12-minute interview. "At least six House Republicans have said he should resign, including five New York Republicans. Do you agree?" 

"Sure, I agree," Ryan responded. "My guess is they'll probably let the Ethics Committee run its course."

Reps. Daniel Goldman and Ritchie Torres of New York filed an official complaint to the House Ethics committee seeking an investigation into Santos, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

"It's a fraudulent candidacy. This isn't an embellished candidacy, it's a fraudulent candidacy," Ryan added. "He hoaxed his voters. So, of course, he should step down."

Santos is the subject of campaign-finance-related complaints and is under investigation by New York prosecutors. He is also being investigated in Brazil on allegations that he used stolen checks. Still, Santos has made it clear on multiple occasions that he has no interest in stepping down.

"He doesn't strike me as an honorable person, though. I don't know the guy," Ryan said before the close of the interview. "I can't imagine the guy is going to stay very long." 

Santos did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

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