AOC evades sanctions after findings of misconduct

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) will not face sanctions after violating House conduct rules.

An investigation by the House Ethics Committee recently concluded that AOC committed misconduct on several occasions by trying to avoid payment on goods and services she received.

“Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s conduct was inconsistent with House Rules, laws, and other standards of conduct with respect to her acceptance of certain goods and services… and her delay in making appropriate payment,” the bipartisan 10-member committee concluded.

In 2021, AOC attended the glitzy Met Gala in a dress emblazoned with the words “Tax the Rich.” The gown, made by Brother Vellies, was valued at over $18,000. She wore $635 designer shoes, carried a $995 handbag, wore luxury jewelry, and sported a designer headpiece—all of which she “rented” for nominal sums. Altogether, she paid only $990.76, which means she effectively accepted $3,724.04 in gifts. 

AOC’s boyfriend, Riley Roberts, attended the $35,000-a-ticket gala for free, according to the New York Post.

House rules generally prohibit lawmakers from accepting gifts. There are some exceptions, like free tickets to charity fundraisers or other events—but AOC and her beau attended the Met Gala as personal guests of Vogue, not the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Costume Institute, disqualifying her from the exception.

AOC was also treated to hairstylists, hotel stays, and more. According to the committee’s review, AOC delayed paying vendors for months, and only then upon threats of legal action. When she finally did pay, it was only after her staff haggled with vendors on the price. AOC’s staff reportedly felt that “Met Gala attendees don’t normally pay for this.”

A hairstylist, for example, went six months without being paid by AOC’s office. She eventually received payment after threatening to report the lawmaker to the New York Department of Labor. A vendor who provided AOC with hotel stays, a car service, and accessories for her boyfriend billed her $5,579 and had to send a follow-up invoice after being unpaid for nine months.

‘Consider this matter closed’

The House Ethics Committee has ordered AOC to pay the Costume Institute $250 for her boyfriend’s meal, and just $2,733.28 to Brother Vellies for the gown. She will not be required to pay for Roberts’ ticket or the full value of the dress. The committee will not impose sanctions.

“Following the publication of this Report and repayment of the value of the improper gifts, the Committee will consider this matter closed,” the committee said in its report. 

This isn’t the first time AOC has come under fire for her financial conduct. In 2022, she claimed that the proceeds from her expensive “Tax the Rich” merchandise go to “community acts like tutoring underserved kids.” But her website clearly states that revenue from her online store—where a “Tax the Rich” sweatshirt costs $58—is a political contribution to her campaign. A Gold Report investigation found limited involvement by AOC’s office with underserved kids.

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