Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been directed to repay nearly $3,000 following a House Ethics Committee ruling that found she violated congressional gift rules related to her appearance at the 2021 Met Gala. The decision stems from her now-famous attendance at the high-profile fashion event, where she wore a custom white gown emblazoned with the phrase “Tax the Rich.”
The Ethics Committee concluded that Ocasio-Cortez failed to properly pay for the gown and related items, including shoes, handbag, hair, makeup, and transportation. While she did make some payments after the event, the amounts fell short of the fair market value, and the reimbursement process was deemed delayed and incomplete. In addition, the committee found that she had not appropriately reimbursed the cost of her partner’s attendance at the event.
Though the committee noted that the violation was not intentional, House rules require members to fully pay for any gifts or services received, even if provided by mistake or through staff oversight. Ocasio-Cortez has been ordered to reimburse $2,733.28 to the fashion label Brother Vellies, which designed the dress and accessories, and to donate $250 to the Costume Institute to cover the cost of her partner’s participation.
The committee’s investigation determined that while the congresswoman had instructed her staff to handle compliance, the payments made were based on inaccurate valuations, such as comparisons to rental services rather than actual retail costs. These errors led to a shortfall in what was owed.
Ocasio-Cortez has agreed to make the necessary payments and remedy the outstanding amounts. With repayment underway, the Ethics Committee considers the matter closed and will not pursue further sanctions. The resolution brings to an end an ethics inquiry that began amid controversy over her attendance at a $30,000-a-plate gala while promoting an anti-wealth message on a highly visible public stage.
