George Santos, known for his controversial tenure as a New York congressman and subsequent legal troubles, is set to appear as a contestant on the fifth season of Fox’s reality competition "Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test" this September.

The show subjects participants to intense military-style challenges, including chemical gassing, claustrophobic searches of underground bunkers, and supply retrievals suspended high above jungle floors. This season’s contestants include former NBA player Matt Barnes and actor Ruby Rose, with Fox describing the program as the "ultimate test of physical, mental and emotional resilience."

Santos, who served less than a year in Congress after fabrications about his background were exposed, was expelled amid criminal charges related to theft from donors, fraudulent unemployment claims, and lying to Congress. He pleaded guilty and served approximately 84 days in prison before President Donald Trump commuted his sentence.

After a failed attempt to restart his political career, Santos announced on social media, "I took my fat behind off the coach and tried something new! And it changed EVERYTHING! I can’t wait to share this experience with y’all!"

Last month, the online prediction marketplace Kalshi reported Santos to federal authorities after he claimed he would attend Trump’s State of the Union address but allegedly placed bets against his own attendance.

Sources