Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez violated House ethics rules by accepting over $3,700 in gifts for her appearance at the 2021 Met Gala — including her “Tax The Rich” dress — while paying less than $1,000. She also gave her boyfriend a free ticket to the exclusive event, which cost $35,000 per person.
The House Ethics Committee concluded that AOC broke rules by accepting gifts and delaying repayment but chose not to impose formal sanctions. The matter will be closed once she pays the remaining amount.
Vendors provided a dress, shoes, handbag, and accessories, but many were paid only after repeated demands and threats of legal action. Her former staffers, particularly ex-campaign manager Rebecca Rodriguez, were blamed for mishandling invoices and attempting to lower costs.
AOC’s team argued they tried to follow House rules and disputed some charges, calling the couture gown pricing unrealistic. Her chief of staff said she accepts the findings and will settle the outstanding balance.
While members of Congress may accept gifts under limited conditions, AOC was invited by Vogue — not the charity host — which disqualified the exemption.
A final $5,579 bill for services and accessories came a year later, and the committee said her team failed to control expenses despite being told to keep costs low.