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'She didn't have to lie about her past': George Santos trolled for saying he was inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

'She’s a scrappy girl. She’s from where I’m from,' George Santos said about AOC

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: George Santos, the embattled Republican representative from Long Island, has faced an avalanche of controversies and allegations in recent months.

After allegations of fabricating his family history and a 23-count indictment for alleged embezzlement and lying to Congress, Santos has once more found himself at the epicenter of controversy by stating that he drew inspiration from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to pursue a career in the office.

George Santos' unverified claim of being 'Jew-ish'

One of the most perplexing aspects of this saga is his questionable claim of being "Jew-ish" and his supposed genealogical journey to prove his family's connection to the Holocaust.

Santos recently revealed during an interview on CNN that he had spent the last 10 months evaluating his DNA and working with a genealogist to substantiate his claims about his heritage. He expressed, “That’s something I’m gonna … prove before I die,” acknowledging that he had not yet acquired the necessary documentation.

“Unfortunately Ukraine is in the middle of freaking war and my grandfather comes from Ukraine. I am working on finishing getting the last pieces of it,” he emphasized on the proof his family fled the Holocaust. “Specifically the piece … where they go to Brazil and then have documents forged. Once I have everything ready, I will allow the same company hired to submit the report to the press with glee.”

George Santos drew inspiration from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's trailblazing journey

Santos' troubles don't end with his claims of Jewish heritage. His legal woes, including a 23-count indictment for embezzlement and lying to Congress, cast a dark shadow over his political career. Further, Santos revealed that his inspiration to enter politics came from Rep Alexandria, a prominent progressive figure from New York.

Santos reflected on this influence, saying, "AOC was my inspiration. Most people don't know that. I always felt like you needed to be a Kennedy or Bush or Clinton to be in politics."

He went on to praise Ocasio-Cortez as a determined and relatable individual, highlighting that she proved that anyone, regardless of their political affiliation, can engage in politics. “She’s a scrappy girl. She’s from where I’m from,” he added. “She proved that everybody can do this. No matter right or left."

Netizens mock George Santos for claims of being inspired by AOC

However, Santos' comments were met with mockery online. A user tweeted, "I would’ve guessed George Santos’ inspiration was Bernie Madoff or Sam Bankman-Fried…" "AOC is probably looking at him like, 'This lil CLOWN .'" another added. 

A user claimed, "There is a difference between embracing the fact you are a working class American and have to struggle like AOC and pretending you are a wealthy guy like George did." "She didn't have to lie about her past," read a tweet. "The difference is AOC did not fabricate her accomplishments," stated another.