Ocasio-Cortez Busted For What?

What was AOC spending our tax dollars on?

A government accountability group is urging the House to investigate whether Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) misused her taxpayer-funded allowances for personal or campaign-related expenses.

Americans for Public Trust, a nonprofit watchdog organization, sent a letter to the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) on Tuesday, expressing concern over several questionable expenses tied to Ocasio-Cortez’s disbursements. The group argues that these expenditures may violate federal laws and House standards, raising questions about the congresswoman’s financial accountability.

Members of Congress are provided a Member Representational Allowance (MRA) to cover costs related to their official duties. This allowance is strictly for government-related functions and is not intended for personal or campaign spending. However, Ocasio-Cortez is being accused of using these funds for campaign-related activities.

The nonprofit pointed to two specific payments: one for $3,700 to an individual named Juan D. Gonzalez and another for $850 to Bombazo Dance Co Inc. Both expenses were listed as being for “training,” but the group suggests they may not be in line with the intended use of MRA funds. They argue that these expenditures appear more aligned with campaign activities rather than official congressional business.

In response to the allegations, Ocasio-Cortez defended her spending on social media. She claimed that the funds in question were not taxpayer money but part of a Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing, suggesting that the expenses were related to her campaign rather than her congressional duties. However, Americans for Public Trust disputes this explanation, claiming that her statement was incorrect and raises concerns about whether she intentionally misused MRA funds for campaign purposes.

Caitlin Sutherland, the executive director of Americans for Public Trust, emphasized the importance of investigating the matter. She pointed out that in an era where the public is demanding fiscal responsibility, it’s crucial for lawmakers to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and appropriately.

This is not the first time Ocasio-Cortez has been under ethics scrutiny. In 2023, she faced a complaint from the Heritage Foundation accusing her of defamation regarding her comments about Chaya Raichik, the creator of the Libs of TikTok Twitter account. She also faced an ethics investigation related to her attendance at the 2021 Met Gala, where she was accused of accepting gifts that may have violated House rules and federal laws.

As concerns about government spending continue to grow, these new allegations against Ocasio-Cortez contribute to ongoing calls for greater transparency and accountability from elected officials.