Democrat Cori Bush paid spouse before federal probe emerged
Squad Rep. Cori Bush Under Investigation for Campaign Spending on Private Security
Representative Cori Bush, a member of the progressive “Squad” and Democrat from Missouri, has come under scrutiny for directing thousands of dollars to her husband and security guard. The revelation of this financial activity coincides with an ongoing criminal investigation into her campaign’s significant spending on private security.
According to records from the congresswoman’s 2023 year-end Federal Election Commission filing, Bush’s campaign paid $17,500 to her husband, Cortney Merritts, for “wage expenses” and an additional $20,000 for “security services” to a man named Joseph Walter between October 2, 2023, and December 28, 2023. This news follows Bush’s confirmation on Tuesday that the Justice Department is looking into allegations of misusing federal and campaign funds for private security.
Outrage and Hypocrisy
“Missourians are outraged that congresswoman Cori Bush has spent her time in office vilifying law enforcement in our state and across the nation while simultaneously demanding extra security for herself,” said Representative Jason Smith, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. “It’s beyond hypocritical and would be deeply ironic if she broke the law in pursuit of additional security.”
Bush, a vocal supporter of the “defund the police” movement, has already allocated over $100,000 to Merritts since 2022. Merritts, whom Bush married in a private ceremony in February 2023, has been the subject of complaints filed by conservative watchdogs with the FEC. These complaints accuse Bush of unlawfully diverting campaign funds for personal use, along with the campaign’s payments to her friend and “guru” Nathaniel Davis III for security services.
In April 2023, Bush’s campaign began categorizing payments to Merritts as “wage expenses” instead of ”security services” following the filing of these complaints.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bush maintained her innocence and stated that she is fully cooperating with the government’s investigations conducted by the FEC and House Ethics Committee.
However, records show that in 2021, Bush did spend $1,416 of taxpayer-backed congressional funds on personal security, contradicting her denial of using federal tax dollars for such purposes.
Ongoing Investigations
The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) confirmed that it concluded an investigation into Bush several months ago. The OCE, a nonpartisan body, refers cases of alleged misconduct to the House Ethics Committee. A spokesperson for the OCE stated that they have no knowledge of the specific details being investigated by the Justice Department.
As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits further developments regarding the potential misuse of campaign funds and the implications for Representative Cori Bush.
How does the ongoing investigation into Representative Bush’s campaign spending on private security impact the credibility of the progressive movement’s push to defund the police?
Office advocating for defunding the police while simultaneously using campaign funds to pay for her own private security,” said Missouri Senator Josh Hawley. “This blatant hypocrisy is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about the integrity of Representative Bush and her campaign.”
Bush, however, has defended her actions, stating that she has received numerous death threats and that the security measures were necessary for her and her team’s safety. “I’ll play and I’ll work and I’ll fight for my people, but I’ll also protect myself and my team,” she tweeted.
Under Investigation
The Criminal Division of the Justice Department is currently investigating the alleged misuse of campaign funds by Representative Bush. The investigation was launched following a complaint filed by the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan organization that focuses on campaign finance violations.
If Bush is found guilty of misusing campaign funds, she could face legal consequences and potentially jeopardize her political career. Furthermore, the investigation could tarnish the image of the progressive “Squad,” of which she is a prominent member.
Previous Controversies
This is not the first time that Representative Bush has faced scrutiny. Earlier this year, she faced criticism for spending nearly $70,000 on private security during the same period she called for defunding the police. The revelation shocked many and led to accusations of hypocrisy and inconsistency.
The current investigation compounds the controversies surrounding Bush and raises further questions about her judgment and ability to represent her constituents effectively.
Implications for Progressive Movement
The investigation into Representative Bush’s campaign spending on private security has broader implications for the progressive movement in America. Advocates for defunding the police argue that reallocating funds towards social programs and community initiatives would lead to safer communities. However, if a prominent figure within the movement is found guilty of using campaign funds for private security, it would undermine the credibility of the defund movement and provide ammunition to critics who claim that it is a misguided approach.
Critics of the defund movement are seizing on the allegations against Representative Bush as evidence of their long-standing arguments against defunding the police. They argue that if even proponents of defunding the police do not feel safe without private security, it demonstrates the necessity of a well-funded and capable police force.
Conclusion
Representative Cori Bush’s use of campaign funds for private security has sparked outrage, accusations of hypocrisy, and an ongoing criminal investigation. The revelations of her financial activity raise questions about her judgment, integrity, and ability to effectively represent her constituents. Moreover, the investigation has implications for the progressive movement’s push to defund the police, potentially undermining its credibility and providing ammunition to critics. As the investigation unfolds, the public and her constituents will be closely watching to see how the situation unfolds and what consequences, if any, Bush will face.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...