NPR correspondent Bobby Allyn has accused former New York Representative George Santos of issuing a threatening statement during an angry phone call, warning that Allyn's reporting could lead to “a gun in your face.” The incident unfolded Thursday, a day after Allyn broke news that the Justice Department is probing Santos for potential insider trading linked to bets placed on a prediction market.
Allyn, based in Los Angeles, recounted the call in a detailed report. He said his phone rang just before 6 p.m. from a blocked number, with Santos on the line and “boiling with rage.” The former congressman, who was expelled from the House in 2023 amid a cascade of scandals, was furious over a story Allyn had published on Tuesday.
That story revealed that the DOJ, along with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, is investigating Santos for allegedly making millions of dollars in trades on the platform Kalshi. The bets centered on whether Santos would attend President Trump’s State of the Union address in February. Kalshi detected the trades, froze Santos’s account, and referred the case to federal authorities, according to a source familiar with the matter.
During the call, Santos denied being under any federal investigation, telling Allyn, “My lawyers have been calling the Department of Justice all day, and they can’t find any investigation.” He refused to allow the call to be recorded, citing California’s two-party consent law. Allyn had offered Santos a chance to comment before the story ran.
The tension escalated when Santos reportedly said, “This story is going to get you a gun in your face.” Allyn interpreted the remark as a direct threat. Santos later denied making any threat, both in text messages to Allyn and in a public statement on X. “I’ve interacted with hundreds of reporters in my life… not once was I ever threatening or aggressive… sassy? Sure but aggressive and threatening? NEVER!” Santos wrote, adding that Allyn had pressured him to name his lawyers “or else.”
The Hill sought comment from Santos but did not immediately receive a response. The former lawmaker has a history of contentious interactions with the media, and his expulsion from Congress followed guilty pleas to federal charges including wire fraud and identity theft. He was sentenced to 87 months in prison but served only three months after President Trump commuted his sentence.
This incident echoes broader tensions between politicians and the press. In a separate case, Bessent Confirmed He Threatened to Kick Pulte's 'A--' in Senate Testimony, highlighting how heated rhetoric can cross into threats. Meanwhile, Trump Calls Fired '60 Minutes' Reporter Pelley a 'Stiff' in Post Interview, showing the ongoing friction between public figures and journalists.
Allyn’s reporting on the insider trading probe adds to the legal jeopardy Santos faces. The DOJ investigation, if confirmed, would mark another chapter in the downfall of a politician who once represented New York’s 3rd Congressional District. Santos’s history of fabricating his background and his criminal record have made him a polarizing figure, even as he maintains a presence on social media.
For journalists covering politics, such threats raise concerns about safety and press freedom. Allyn’s account underscores the risks reporters take when holding powerful figures accountable. The incident also draws attention to the broader pattern of political figures using aggressive language against the media, as seen in Trump Targets Fox News Reporter Over Fiancé's Voting Record.
