AOC and that Infamous ‘Tax the Rich Dress’ Is Subject to Investigation – New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is in trouble for a dress she wore in 2021 at the Met Gala in Manhattan.
The dress had “Tax the Rich” emblazoned on the back. That turned heads and became fodder for many news organizations that keep a watch on the socialist lawmaker.
But now, that costume choice is the subject of a Congressional investigation. The U.S. House Ethics Committee is looking into a complaint that AOC’s renting of the dress may have violated rules.
The dress wasn’t the only thing given to Ocasio-Cortez. She also was provided a handbag, shoes, jewelry, hair care, makeup, hotel room, and transportation to the Metropolitan Museum of Art event, where tickets are $30,000 each.
Watchdog Non-profit Cries Foul on AOC
The Ethics Committee is reacting to a report written about the event by the Office of Congressional Ethics that determined these gifts may be impermissible and could have broken House rules.
The Office of Congressional Ethics said, “While Rep. Ocasio-Cortez appears to have now paid for the rental value of the attire she wore to the Met Gala and for the goods and services she and her partner received in connection with this September 2021 event, payment for these goods and services did not occur until after the OCE contacted her in connection with this review.”
Gifts and Services Worth Serious Money
The study found that AOC may have violated standards on gifts, conduct, and even federal law on campaign donations. She initially failed to pay for “several thousands of dollars’ worth of goods and services provided to her.”
Ocasio-Cortez said she thought a staffer was handling the payment for these items. AOC did admit that she regretted the situation and dropped the ball. She said there was no ethics violation because she always intended to pay for the goods and services through her personal checking account.
She Promises Never to Do It Again
AOC also thought the payment had already been made and those delays were “unacceptable.” And she has “taken several steps to ensure nothing of this nature will happen again.”
But despite her contrition, the Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the dressmaker, Brother Vellies, the person or firm who designed the look, and a public relations company be subpoenaed to provide more details.
Does She Look Hypocritical?
The whole situation is a bad look for the Congresswoman.
It is a case of “rules for me and not for thee.” AOC was also not wearing a mask that was required by the Met during the event. She wanted to make a statement during the festivities that a working-class minority woman could rise to elite status and join the rich and famous at the Met Gala. But critics see this as a moment when AOC appears out of touch with ordinary voters.
AOC believes in wealthy individuals and families paying more taxes to support her Green New Deal scheme and her belief in expanded healthcare for the needy. She appears to have regretted the Met episode and the expensive dress rental. She would likely not attend the event again due to all the trouble it has caused.
However, the damage has been done and she should have quickly paid for the goods and services instead of waiting until after a report was written.
AOC In More Trouble?
The Congresswoman has also been the target of a recent ethics complaint from the woman who created the Twitter account called “Libs of TikTok.” The owner of account, Chaya Raichik, said AOC falsely accused and defamed her during a committee hearing.
AOC may want to huddle with her general counsel to better respond to ethical dilemmas in Congress. She has a high profile and many conservative enemies who would love to see her squirm from these types of complaints. Her alleged actions take away from her job as a lawmaker and could affect the way she is perceived as she ponders whether to run for higher office in a potential run against Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in 2024.
Author Expertise and Experience
Serving as 19FortyFive’s Defense and National Security Editor, Dr. Brent M. Eastwood is the author of Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare. He is an Emerging Threats expert and former U.S. Army Infantry officer. You can follow him on Twitter @BMEastwood. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and Foreign Policy/ International Relations.
