Video of Kevin McCarthy snapping at reporter has been viewed 1.5 million times

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy snapped at reporters Tuesday and asked a series of provocative questions about George Santos, including how to stand by the New York congressman after it was revealed he lied about much of his background.

“You know why I stand by him? Because his constituents voted for him,” McCarthy told reporters at a Jan. 24 news conference in a video that has since gone viral online. “I don’t have the power just because […] I disagree with what someone said [to] remove them from the elected office.”

The California Republican added that Santos will only be removed if the House ethics trial finds he broke the law. “But it’s not my role. I believe in the rule of law – a person is innocent until proven guilty,” he continued.

Asked by reporters whether he had given committee assignments to the disgraced New York congressman despite scandal after scandal plaguing him in recent weeks, McCarthy repeated the same answer: Santos was elected by his district.

“You asked me a question. If I answer them, that’s the answer to your question. You can’t tell if I answered your question or not, okay? With all due respect,” McCarthy replied to the reporter.

After McCarthy promised Santos “would sit on committees,” several news outlets have reported that the embattled newly elected congressman has been placed on the Small Business Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee.

When McCarthy was asked to address issues surrounding Santos and his committee appointments, he attacked California House Democrat Adam Schiff, whom he accused of using his power as chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to target the American public lie to

The Speaker of the House recently rejected the reappointment of Schiff and Democrat Eric Swalwell to the House Intelligence Committee.

McCarthy then added that Santos “can serve on a committee, but not at Intel because America’s national security is at stake and I will always put them first.”

McCarthy has — along with the GOP’s national leaders — defied bipartisan calls for Santos to step down from both New York’s Republicans and Democrats, and is likely trying to hold on to her narrow majority in Congress.

But Santos’ problems have continued to multiply in recent weeks.

After it was revealed he lied about various aspects of his biography during his campaign campaign – including his college degree and working for two major Wall Street companies – Santos admitted last week to appearing in drag after he did so repeatedly denied it despite evidence to the contrary.