Introduction
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s attendance at the 2021 Met Gala has caused quite a stir in political and fashion circles. The congresswoman’s ‘Tax The Rich’ message, emblazoned on the back of her dress has sparked an ethics probe by the House. Through this article, we will delve deeper into the controversy surrounding her appearance and the possible consequences, while also exploring the concept of congressional ethics rules.
The Met Gala Controversy
The 2021 Met Gala saw Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s shocking appearance in a dress that had ‘Tax The Rich’ inscribed across the back. The dress, designed by Aurora James, made waves online and provoked mixed reactions. The attention towards the dress was further heightened as the congresswoman appeared at the high-profile event, attended by the well-heeled and wealthy. However, the dress has also led to an ethics probe, raising questions over Ocasio-Cortez’s understanding of congressional ethics rules.
Borrowing or Accepting Gifts- A Violation of Ethics Rules?
Congressional guidelines generally prohibit lawmakers from accepting gifts; therefore, Ocasio-Cortez’s claim that she “borrowed” the dress from James is subject to scrutiny. Even accepting hair styling and makeup from acclaimed artists could be considered a violation of House gift rules, according to Kendra Arnold, the executive director of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust.
According to Kathleen Clark, a Washington University law professor who has been highly critical of politicians on both sides of the aisle, it is not clear how the congresswoman could have accepted these gifts without violating the ethics rules. The Met Gala has already proven to be fraught with ethics controversies, with former Representative Carolyn Maloney facing previous investigations over the dresses she wore to the event in 2018, 2019, and 2021. The office of congressional ethics requested documentation to verify that Maloney had paid for her dress, hairstyling, and makeup herself.
Ocasio-Cortez’s explanation, that she borrowed the dress, does not entirely hold up, given that congressional guidelines typically prohibit lawmakers from accepting gifts. Borrowing, in many cases, is viewed as a way to evade ethics rules. The dress, hair styling, and makeup would not be considered congressional constituent services, and attending a $35,000-a-year gala raises broader questions.
Ethics Investigations into Ocasio-Cortez’s Attendance
While other citywide officers, like mayors and parks commissioners, typically receive invites to the Met Gala, congresspeople do not usually make the list. Ocasio-Cortez’s presence at the event has therefore caused confusion as to her justification for attending. Furthermore, the Met Gala guest lists from 2016 and 2018 do not indicate that any members of Congress received invitations.
The American Accountability Foundation called for an ethics investigation into Ocasio-Cortez the day after the gala, challenging the idea that her attendance was a form of constituent services. Constituent services typically require interfacing with the public and advancing community projects in ways that genuinely serve the community, such as setting up a food bank or helping to complete a grant application.
The ethics committee is still investigating her appearance at the Gala, and the congresswoman is cooperating with the investigation. The committee has promised an update on the inquiry after its first meeting of the new Congress.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s appearance at the 2021 Met Gala highlights the need for clear ethical ground rules on a lawmakers’ dress, gift, and stylistic choices. The congresswoman is currently the subject of an ethics probe, and new guidelines may be implemented to prevent similar controversies in the future. With an update from the ethics committee expected after the new Congress’s first meeting, it remains to be seen what the impact of this ruling will be on the fashion industry and lawmakers alike.
