Santos Joins Reality Challenge
Former Congressman George Santos Competes on Fox's 'Special Forces' Reality Show
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George Santos is trading the halls of Congress for a Malaysian jungle. The disgraced former lawmaker will compete on Season 5 of Fox's "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test," premiering in September, according to MyNorthwest and multiple outlets. The show puts celebrities through brutal military-style challenges, including chemical gassing.
Santos has lived one of the most chaotic political lives in recent American history. Jonesboro Sun described him as a "serial swindler, congressman, expelled congressman, federal prison inmate, clemency recipient, podcast host, and online betting influencer under federal investigation." Now add reality TV star to that list.
From Congress to a Malaysian Jungle
Santos will join a cast that includes former NBA player Matt Barnes and actor Rubén Blades, according to Winnipeg Free Press. Contestants face real military selection exercises used to test special forces recruits. The challenges take place in the jungles of Malaysia. Chemical gassing is among the tests they must endure.
The show airs on Fox and has completed four previous seasons. Season 5 is set to debut in September. Santos will be one of the most high-profile — and controversial — contestants the show has ever featured.
Santos Was Elected, Then Expelled in Under a Year
Santos was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 as a Republican from New York. He served less than a year. Investigators revealed he had fabricated large parts of his life story — his education, his work history, and his heritage. Congress expelled him, making him one of only a handful of members ever removed that way, according to WRAL.
He faced criminal charges for stealing money from donors and his own campaign. He was also accused of fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits and lying to Congress about his personal wealth. After being convicted, he received clemency, according to KDH News.
Betting Platforms Cut Ties After Alleged Self-Sabotage
Santos tried to reinvent himself as an online betting influencer after leaving office. He partnered with prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket. But both platforms ended their paid deals with him. The reason: he allegedly bet against his own attendance at events he was supposed to promote, according to Times Union.
The Federal Election Commission and other federal agencies were also reportedly looking into his online betting activities, according to KDH News. Santos has consistently found ways to stay in the headlines — rarely for the right reasons.
Reality TV Becomes the Latest Santos Second Act
Santos joins a long line of disgraced public figures who have turned to reality TV for a comeback. "Special Forces" is a physically grueling show — not a soft landing. Contestants are sleep-deprived, stressed, and put through scenarios modeled on actual military training. It is unclear whether Santos has any relevant fitness or survival background, according to AJC.
Fox has not commented publicly on why Santos was chosen. His addition to the cast is certain to draw viewers — whether rooting for him or against him. The September premiere will be widely watched, if only to see how far the former congressman makes it through the world's toughest test.
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