Controversial New York Republican Representative George Santos introduced seven new bills, including one dubbed “The Minaj Act” aimed at boosting public confidence in new vaccines.
Santos previously made headlines for his many lies.
The act was named after rapper Nicki Minaj, who made headlines in 2021 for her skepticism over COVID-19 vaccines.
\u201cGeorge Santos has introduced the \u2018Nicki Minaj Act\u2019 which would prohibit vaccine mandates. For reals.\u201d— Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1681865096
In September 2021, Minaj caught COVID-19 but still refused to get vaccinated.
This lead to a Twitter tirade in which she advised her followers to wear masks and research vaccines before getting one.
Her comments and skepticism about vaccines was criticized by medical professionals and health organizations.
\u201cThey want you to get vaccinated for the Met. if I get vaccinated it won\u2019t for the Met. It\u2019ll be once I feel I\u2019ve done enough research. I\u2019m working on that now. In the meantime my loves, be safe. Wear the mask with 2 strings that grips your head & face. Not that loose one \ud83d\ude4f\u2665\ufe0f\u201d— Nicki Minaj (@Nicki Minaj) 1631568090
Santos’ decision to name a bill after Minaj may also be seen as a cynical attempt to distract from his own controversies.
Minaj’s comments about the COVID-19 vaccine caused a stir during the pandemic, with the rapper claiming that her cousin’s friend became “impotent” after getting vaccinated.
Her comments were later debunked by Dr. Anthony Fauci, who at the time was head of the White House's COVID-19 Task Force.
\u201cMy cousin in Trinidad won\u2019t get the vaccine cuz his friend got it & became impotent. His testicles became swollen. His friend was weeks away from getting married, now the girl called off the wedding. So just pray on it & make sure you\u2019re comfortable with ur decision, not bullied\u201d— Nicki Minaj (@Nicki Minaj) 1631569446
Santos’ announcement and new bills come at a time when he is facing multiple allegations and charges.
He has admitted to lying about his education, work history, and even his religion.
In addition, he recently reached a plea deal in a 2008 check fraud case in Brazil and is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for alleged illegal campaign activity, conflict-of-interest violations, and sexual misconduct against an ex-staffer.
Despite these allegations, Santos remains defiant and determined to stay in office, describing himself as “a fighter who knows the district and can serve the people fearlessly.” This delusional attitude has been met with criticism from lawmakers from both parties, who have called for his resignation.
Santos blocked comments on his Twitter but retweeted a supporter praising his introduction of The Minaj Act.
\u201cBoom!\u201d— George Santos (@George Santos) 1681769322
Others have mocked his attempts to deflect from his scandals.
\u201c@RonFilipkowski Why is he still in Congress? Once again, no accountability.\u201d— Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1681865096
\u201c@RonFilipkowski I wonder if the "Nicki Manaj Act" authorizes faux-congressman Santos to personally inspect the balls of every 2nd-cousin's friend's buddies after they were forced to be vaccinated against their will and yet somehow managed to survive.\n\n[==*==]\u201d— Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1681865096
\u201c@RonFilipkowski Waste of tax payers money. Love how they all do the important stuff\u201d— Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1681865096
\u201c@RonFilipkowski I\u2019m ready for this guy to go the way of Madison Cawthorn and be gone.\u201d— Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1681865096
\u201c@RonFilipkowski @GOP An unserious party for unserious people. This is complete nonsense and will go nowhere\u201d— Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1681865096
Santos’ announcement and new bills, including “The Minaj Act,” are likely to draw criticism and scrutiny, given his own controversies and Minaj’s controversial views on vaccines.
It remains to be seen whether Santos will be successful in his bid for re-election. He has been challenged by Josh Lafazan, who generated more support for his campaign to unseat Santos after Santos mocked his appearance.
Despite this opposition, Santos has made it clear that he will not resign early and has already submitted the necessary paperwork in March to run for re-election in 2024.
When asked by CNN about his support for Santos' candidacy, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy responded with a chuckle and stated he "wasn't aware" Santos "had declared." The GOP leader went on to say he will "wait" to see who else files their candidacy.
@GavinNewsom/X
