Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing scrutiny following a formal ethics complaint alleging misuse of campaign funds. The complaint centers around nearly $19,000 paid to a psychiatrist specializing in innovative, and sometimes controversial, mental health treatments.
The National Legal and Policy Center filed the complaint with both the Federal Elections Commission and the House Ethics Committee, arguing the funds were improperly designated for “leadership training and consulting.” They contend the money was actually used for personal psychiatric services, either for the Representative herself or members of her staff.
At the heart of the concern is Dr. Brian W. Boyle, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and a leading figure in Ketamine therapy – a treatment often used for severe, treatment-resistant depression. The complaint questions whether his services align with typical campaign consulting activities.
Detailed records from the Federal Election Commission show four payments totaling $18,725 were made to Dr. Boyle’s practice last year. These payments were specifically labeled as expenses for “leadership training and consulting,” raising questions about the nature of these sessions and who benefited from them.
Legal experts suggest the spending may violate both FEC and House Ethics rules, which prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses. The argument is that if Representative Ocasio-Cortez required psychiatric treatment, it should have been paid for with personal funds, not those contributed by donors.
Dr. Boyle’s practice, Stella, is known for offering “novel” therapies favored by clients in high-profile industries like Hollywood and Wall Street. His expertise extends to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and even personality disorders, adding another layer to the questions surrounding the payments.
This isn’t the first time Representative Ocasio-Cortez has faced ethical challenges. Previously, the House Ethics Committee found she improperly accepted gifts, including a $35,000 ticket to the Met Gala and over $3,700 in apparel, for her then-boyfriend during a controversial “Tax the Rich” event.
The current complaint requests a thorough investigation by both the FEC and the House Ethics Committee, seeking appropriate penalties and disciplinary action if the allegations are substantiated. The Representative’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these latest accusations.
