Former New York Rep. George Santos will compete on the fifth season of Fox’s Special Forces: World's Toughest Test this September. Filmed in a Malaysian jungle, the series features military-style trials such as chemical gassing, claustrophobic bunker searches and high-altitude supply retrievals. Santos — who was expelled from Congress after fabrications came to light, pleaded guilty to charges and served roughly 84 days in prison before his sentence was commuted — posted on X that the experience "changed EVERYTHING." The season includes contestants such as Matt Barnes and Ruby Rose.
George Santos Heads to Reality TV: Former Congressman Joins Fox’s 'Special Forces' Season 5
FILE - Former U.S. Rep. George Santos arrives at federal court for sentencing, April 25, 2025, in Central Islip, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)
George Santos, the former New York congressman whose public life has been marked by scandals, a brief prison stint and media ventures, is set to appear as a contestant on the fifth season of Fox’s Special Forces: World's Toughest Test this September.
What to Expect
The series, filmed in a Malaysian jungle, pits celebrities and public figures against intense military-style trials. According to Fox, contestants will face challenges that include chemical gassing, a claustrophobic search of an underground bunker and a supply-retrieval task while suspended high above the jungle floor. Santos joins more than a dozen competitors, including former NBA player Matt Barnes and actor Ruby Rose.
Santos' Reaction
Posting a promotional image on X, Santos wrote: "I took my fat behind off the coach and tried something new!" He added that the experience "changed EVERYTHING!" and said he "can't wait to share this experience with y'all!"
Background And Ongoing Controversies
Santos was elected to the U.S. House from New York in 2022 as a Republican, but served less than a year after investigators determined he had fabricated large parts of his biography. He was expelled from Congress while facing criminal charges alleging theft from donors and his campaign, fraudulent collection of unemployment benefits and lying to Congress about his finances.
He pleaded guilty to charges and served about 84 days in prison before President Donald Trump commuted his sentence. Santos later attempted another House run but quickly abandoned it after raising no campaign funds.
Last month, the online prediction marketplace Kalshi referred Santos to federal authorities after he publicly claimed he would attend President Trump’s State of the Union address and then was accused of betting against his own attendance. Polymarket, another prediction platform where Santos had acted in an influencer role, ended its paid relationship with him after the incident. Santos has called the allegation "preposterous." He did not immediately return a request for comment.
Why It Matters
Santos’s participation in a high-profile reality competition highlights how public figures with controversial pasts often transition to media and entertainment roles. The show will test not only physical endurance but also how contestants handle extreme stress and high-stakes optics.
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