Former U.S. Representative George Santos is under investigation for his activities on the prediction market site Kalshi. He reportedly profited by misleading the public about his attendance at Trump’s State of the Union address in February.

Julia Demaree Nikhinson of AP recounted receiving a call from Santos. He was upset about a story revealing the Justice Department and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission were investigating his trading activity. Kalshi had referred the matter to federal authorities when it emerged Santos bet against his attendance at the event while publicly claiming excitement about attending.

Santos, once known for his political career filled with falsehoods, denied the story’s accuracy. He insisted his lawyers found no evidence of an investigation. During the conversation, Nikhinson took careful notes. Santos refused to identify his legal counsel, simply stating, “I’m George f*cking Santos, of course I have a legal team.” He then criticized NPR and its reporting.

Santos allegedly made a concerning statement during the call, saying, “This story is going to get you a gun in your face.” When pressed on what he meant, he responded ambiguously. The situation became more unusual when Santos texted Nikhinson, denying he made this statement. He wrote, “I NEVER SAID ‘this story would get a gun in your face, I said ‘it’d blow up in your face.” Santos called the journalist “an insane person,” and “a clown.”

Soon after, on social media platform X, Santos denied the incident, accusing the reporter of fabrication. “I’ve interacted with hundreds of reporters in my life… not once was I ever threatening or aggressive,” he stated.

Threats against journalists are frequent, often coming from online trolls or aggressive representatives. Distinguishing serious threats from hyperbolic ones can be challenging.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press disclosed that Polymarket severed ties with Santos. He had been hired to promote social media content for their prediction markets. Attempting to start new ventures, Santos is offering discounted Cameo videos at $150, although trust in his promises remains questionable.