Internet in splits as John Fetterman trolls Bob Menendez with commissioned Cameo video by George Santos

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA: Senator John Fetterman had the internet in stitches as he commissioned ousted Rep George Santos to record a sarcastic video targeting embattled colleague Bob Menendez.

The 58-year-old Pennsylvania Democrat took to his Twitter on Monday, December 4 to share a trolling video, writing, “I thought my ethically-challenged colleague @BobMenendezNJ could use some encouragement given his substantial legal problems.”

“So, I approached a seasoned expert on the matter to give ‘Bobby from Jersey’ some advice,” he further added.

In the video, Santos, who was expelled from Congress after a damning ethics report, says, “Hey Bobby, look, I don’t think I need to tell you, but these people that want to make you get in trouble and want to kick you out and make you run away — you make them put up or shut up.”

“You stand your ground, sir, and don’t get bogged down by all the haters out there. Stay strong and Merry Christmas!” a smiling and gleeful-sounding Santos concluded.

Responding to Fetterman’s post on X, Menendez told NBC News, "I don’t think Mr Clickbait’s donors would appreciate him enriching George Santos. I’m surprised he didn’t ask his parents for the money."

Fetterman was the first Democratic senator to call for Menendez’s resignation after he and his wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, were indicted in September on corruption-related offenses.

They have been accused of accepting “hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes” in exchange for the senator’s influence. However, they have pleaded not guilty to criminal charges related to his alleged abuse of office.

More than half of the Senate Democratic caucus has called for him to resign.

George Santos’ Cameo debut

A spokesperson for Fetterman told Business Insider that Santos completed the video response in less than 16 minutes following the office's payment and submission of the request - a quicker turnaround than anticipated

Santos joined the video-sharing platform Cameo, just a few days after being expelled from the House following a looming criminal trial and a scandal-plagued congressional term. In the chamber's history, he is only the sixth member to be removed by other members.

A customized video from Santos cost $75 initially but by Monday night, it was up to $200. He is also selling text messages for $10. The Cameo page describes Santos as "Former congressional 'Icon'! 💅🏼" and "The Expelled member of Congress from New York City."

There have been four videos uploaded to the page thus far, with an average duration of 46 seconds.

"Please spend some money on yourself on gifts this year. It could be anything, from Botox to luxury goods of any kind, like a trip to Hermès, makeup from Sephora or a subscription to OnlyFans,” he said in one of his videos.

Alongside Santos, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Roger Stone have also joined the video-sharing website in recent years.

Internet reacts to John Fetterman’s trolling tactics

Fetterman’s trolling video left internet in splits with one user saying, “Holy Crap. This has to be one of the most insanely brilliant troll jobs ever by Senator John Fetterman.”

“I saw this and died laughing. Need a holiday gift for the person that has everything? Get a Santos cameo!” the second user praised. “Fetterman paid Santos to diss Menendez on Cameo. Savage af,” the third user wrote.

“I am nowhere near a Fetterman supporter, but I have to say this is a very impressive stunt. His team deserves some recognition for this one,” the fourth user stated while the fifth one said “Objectively. This will do well with Gen Z. It is funny as hell.”

“Wait… is it okay for me to be loving crazy George right now???! Is there something wrong with me for feeling the love?! I want to buy my own George Cameo ( if I must) So little makes sense anymore,” one more wrote.