Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), often at the center of political discourse, is facing scrutiny over her financial disclosures. The Congresswoman filed her mandatory 2024 financial disclosure documents more than three months late, a delay that has not gone unnoticed. After initially requesting a 90-day extension, Ocasio-Cortez missed the extended deadline as well, submitting her documents a week late last Wednesday.
The disclosure documents list her assets, including $17,000 to $81,000 in bank accounts and a small 401(k) from her time as an educational director for the National Hispanic Institute. Additionally, she reported student loan debt in the range of $15,000 to $50,000. The numbers suggest modest financial growth from her 2023 disclosure, with an increase between $14,000 and $65,000.
However, the most notable aspect of the disclosure is the absence of financial information for her long-time fiancé, Riley Roberts. This omission has raised eyebrows, particularly since Ocasio-Cortez has previously referred to Roberts as her “spouse” on certain forms, which granted him access to congressional spouse perks, such as travel and attendance to events like the Met Gala.
Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, interim VP of policy at the Project On Government Oversight, criticized the omission, stating, “If her fiancée is going to avail himself of some of the perks and privileges of the spouse of a member of Congress, he should surely have to likewise comply with the less convenient parts.” Hedtler-Gaudette also highlighted the potential for abuse of this loophole, which could be used to transfer conflicted or problematic assets.
Roberts, a 37-year-old web developer, has been a visible figure alongside Ocasio-Cortez, contributing to her 2018 campaign and accompanying her on international trips. Despite these high-profile appearances and involvement, his financial details remain undisclosed.
This recent issue has rekindled criticism of Ocasio-Cortez as an “absentee” representative, with constituents and watchdogs questioning her commitment to the transparency and accountability she publicly advocates. As of now, Ocasio-Cortez remains engaged to Roberts, with no announced wedding date, and has not responded to inquiries regarding the late filing or the financial disclosure omission.
The situation underscores the delicate balance public figures must maintain between their private lives and the public's demand for transparency. For Ocasio-Cortez, who has been a vocal advocate for ethics and accountability in government, the late submission and omissions in her financial disclosure are particularly conspicuous. They not only fuel the ongoing debate about the congresswoman's adherence to the standards she sets for others but also serve as a focal point for discussions about the adequacy of current transparency regulations.
