Investigation into Former U.S. Rep. George Santos’ Kalshi Trades

Former Congressman George Santos is under investigation for his trades on the prediction market Kalshi. Authorities suspect he profited by misleading the public about attending Trump’s State of the Union address in February. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP/AP hide caption toggle caption Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP/AP

As I was wrapping up my workday in Los Angeles, my blocked caller ID indicated a call from Santos. The day prior, I published a report revealing the Justice Department and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission were probing his Kalshi trading activities. Allegedly, he bet against his appearance at Trump’s address while publicly claiming he was excited to attend.

Kalshi reported Santos to authorities in the Southern District of New York and Washington. Santos contested my story, claiming there was no investigation. He mentioned, “my lawyers have been calling the Department of Justice…no investigation.” When I asked to record our conversation, he refused. However, I took notes of his words. When pressed about his legal representation, he rebuffed, saying he had legal counsel.

Santos resorted to attacking my reputation and that of NPR. Then, he made a startling remark, “This story is going to get you a gun in your face,” which he later denied, claiming he said, “it’d blow up in your face.” His texts suggested disbelief and denying any threats.

Santos, known for controversies, took to X to deny any threats against me. He claimed my reporting fabricated his statements. In his X post, he stated, “I’ve interacted with hundreds of reporters…not once was I…threatening.” He also falsely implied I demanded lawyer names with threats.

Threats to journalists aren’t uncommon and vary from internet trolls to aggressive PR. Deciding whether to address them takes consideration. Despite Santos’ efforts to shape narratives, I aimed to clarify events. Since publishing the report, AP noted Polymarket severed ties with Santos, previously paid to promote its prediction markets. Additionally, Santos offers discounted Cameo videos, though he might later deny their content.