House Ethics Committee calls for AOC to address Met Gala payments

July 25, 2025 – 9:16 AM

The House Ethics Committee has called on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to make additional payments related to her attendance at the 2021 Met Gala. The panel found that the New York congresswoman failed to pay full market value for goods and services tied to the high-profile event. The findings were part of a broader set of ethics updates, which also included reviews of Reps. Mike Kelly, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and Henry Cuellar.

AOC’s 2021 Met Gala attendance under scrutiny

In a 31-page report released Friday, the House Ethics Committee concluded that Rep. Ocasio-Cortez violated House rules by not fully covering costs related to her participation in the 2021 Met Gala. The investigation found that although she attempted to comply with gift rules and paid for most items using personal funds, some payments were significantly delayed and did not meet fair market value.

Ocasio-Cortez, a guest of Vogue magazine, attended the event with her partner. The couple received complimentary tickets—each valued at $35,000—as well as customized attire, hair and makeup styling, and a hotel room. The Ethics Committee stated she had improperly accepted a free ticket for her guest and failed to reimburse the full cost of certain services.

In response, AOC’s chief of staff, Mike Casca, said the congresswoman “appreciates the Committee finding that she made efforts to ensure her compliance with House Rules” and that she will settle any remaining costs, “as she’s done at each step in this process.”

Mike Kelly formally reprimanded over stock dealings

The House Ethics Committee also issued a formal reproval of Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) following a lengthy inquiry into stock trades involving his wife. The panel reviewed allegations that Kelly may have shared nonpublic information with his spouse, enabling her to purchase stock in Cleveland-Cliffs, a steel company in his district.

Though the committee said it found no conclusive evidence that Kelly intentionally passed along insider information, it noted that his wife’s lack of cooperation limited their ability to fully assess the matter. The panel also found that Kelly did not treat the investigation with the seriousness it warranted, constituting a violation of the House’s official code of conduct.

The report recommended that Kelly and his wife divest any remaining stock in Cleveland-Cliffs before he engages in any further congressional actions affecting the company. The congressman responded by saying he was ready to “put this distraction behind us,” and emphasized his advocacy for the 1,400 workers at the company’s Butler Works plant.

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces continued ethics inquiry

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) is also under renewed investigation. The Ethics Committee unanimously voted to reauthorize a probe into allegations that she solicited campaign donations in exchange for official actions and requested federal funding for a private, for-profit entity.

These allegations stem from a May referral by the Office of Congressional Ethics. The committee has not reached any conclusions, and Cherfilus-McCormick issued a statement affirming her cooperation with the inquiry.

“I fully respect the process and remain committed to cooperating with the Committee as it works to bring this inquiry to a close,” she said.

The Florida congresswoman has previously faced questions about the management of her campaign and congressional resources. Earlier this year, a Florida state agency sued a family-owned company linked to Cherfilus-McCormick, accusing it of overcharging the state by nearly $5.8 million during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Henry Cuellar investigation reauthorized amid federal indictment

In a separate matter, the House Ethics Committee has extended its ongoing investigation into Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), who was indicted last year by the U.S. Justice Department on multiple federal charges including bribery, conspiracy, and money laundering.

While the committee emphasized that reauthorizing the investigation does not imply guilt, it acknowledged the “risks associated with dual investigations” when both legislative and judicial processes are ongoing.

Cuellar’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Texas Democrat has maintained his innocence since the indictment was announced.

A broader look at congressional accountability

The series of ethics developments reflects increased scrutiny of lawmakers across party lines and underscores the challenge of ensuring compliance with rules governing gifts, financial interests, and public trust. While no formal punishments have been announced for the lawmakers involved, the ongoing investigations may carry political consequences ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

The House Ethics Committee continues to serve as a key check on member conduct, especially as public confidence in government transparency and ethics remains a top concern for many voters.