Well, folks, even the most outspoken champions of taxing the rich can stumble when it comes to following the rules at a ritzy event like the Met Gala.
Breitbart reported that the House Ethics Committee has directed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to pay over $2,000 for underpaying for gifts and apparel tied to her attendance at the 2021 Met Gala, with the committee finding her actions inconsistent with House standards despite not being deliberate.
Let’s rewind to 2021, when AOC made headlines at the Met Gala with a dress boldly proclaiming “Tax the Rich,” designed by Aurora James of Brother Vellies.
That same event, sparked by a $35,000 ticket, led to an ethics complaint filed by the American Accountability Foundation just days later in September 2021.
The complaint zeroed in on AOC’s acceptance of goods and services, including a gown, shoes, a handbag, and jewelry, for which she paid far below fair market value—about $990.76 against an estimated worth of $3,724.04.
Turns out, even a handmade paper flower in her hair, valued at roughly $35.71, wasn’t invoiced—a small detail, but one that adds to the tally of oversights.
Committee Rules on Fair Market Value
The House Ethics Committee didn’t mince words, stating, “Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s conduct was inconsistent with House Rules.”
That’s a polite way of saying she dropped the ball on ethical compliance, even if they stopped short of calling it intentional misconduct.
Now, she’s on the hook for $2,733 to vendors for the clothing and an additional $250 donation for her fiancé, Riley Roberts’ ticket to the Cosmetic Institute.
The committee also noted a delay in making proper payment, with their report adding, “She must bear responsibility for the other conduct.”
Translation: accountability isn’t just a buzzword for policy debates; it applies to personal actions too, especially when you’re a public figure.
Speaking of value, the jewelry rental alone was pegged at $78.47, a figure the committee accepted as fair, proving no detail is too small for scrutiny.
AOC’s Team Responds to Ruling
AOC’s chief of staff, Mike Casca, chimed in with, “The Congresswoman appreciates the Committee finding.”
Appreciation is nice, but let’s be real—having to “remedy the remaining amounts” isn’t exactly a victory lap; it’s a reminder that rules aren’t optional, even for progressive icons.
Still, it’s a gentle nudge to all in Congress: if you’re going to talk the talk on fairness, make sure your ledger walks the walk—otherwise, expect a reckoning.
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Author: Mae Slater
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