Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is facing renewed criticism after campaign finance disclosures revealed that her political committee spent nearly $50,000 on luxury accommodations, upscale dining, and venue-related expenses during a recent trip to Puerto Rico—fueling accusations from critics that her lifestyle contradicts the socialist message she frequently promotes.
The spending, disclosed in third-quarter campaign filings, coincided with an August visit to Puerto Rico during which Ocasio-Cortez was seen attending a concert by global music star Bad Bunny while also participating in public appearances focused on housing and economic inequality. The revelations have prompted Republicans and conservative commentators to accuse the progressive lawmaker of hypocrisy, arguing that her rhetoric against wealth and elites is at odds with how she uses campaign funds.
“This is not new for her—she’s a hypocrite,” former White House press secretary Sean Spicer said while reacting to the campaign disclosures. Spicer pointed to Ocasio-Cortez’s past controversies, including her appearance at the 2021 Met Gala wearing a designer dress emblazoned with the slogan “Tax the Rich,” as emblematic of what he described as performative populism.
“That dress wasn’t exactly off the rack,” Spicer added. “It was a custom designer piece. She and her allies attack capitalism relentlessly, but they have no problem benefiting from it.”
Nearly $50,000 Spent During Puerto Rico Trip
According to the filings, Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign spent more than $15,000 on lodging at two high-end hotels in San Juan during the late summer months. The expenses were recorded between July 1 and September 30, a period that overlaps with Bad Bunny’s highly publicized residency performances at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, also known as “El Choli.”
In addition to hotel costs, the campaign spent more than $10,500 on meals and catering services during the same period. The filings also list additional expenditures related to venue rentals and logistical support, bringing the total Puerto Rico-related spending close to $50,000.
The disclosures surfaced after videos circulated on social media showing Ocasio-Cortez dancing in what appeared to be premium seating at a Bad Bunny concert on August 10. She was accompanied by Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-N.Y., in footage that quickly went viral among political commentators and critics.
Bad Bunny’s residency tour, which spanned 31 shows, drew major celebrities including LeBron James, Penélope Cruz, Iggy Azalea, and Austin Butler. Tickets for premium seating and box-level access were reportedly in high demand throughout the residency.
Public Advocacy Meets Private Luxury
During the same trip, Ocasio-Cortez was also filmed visiting a housing development in Puerto Rico, where she spoke out against gentrification and displacement. Supporters argue that the visit reflected her ongoing advocacy for working-class communities and marginalized populations.
Critics, however, say the contrast between her messaging and her spending is striking.
“They love to lecture Americans about carbon footprints, excess wealth, and inequality,” Spicer said, referring to Ocasio-Cortez and other members of the progressive “Squad.” “Then they fly private, stay in luxury hotels, trade stocks, and get rich in Congress. The hypocrisy has no bounds.”
Republican strategists echoed those sentiments, arguing that the spending undermines Ocasio-Cortez’s credibility with voters who are struggling with rising costs and economic uncertainty.
‘Peak Hypocrisy,’ GOP Figures Say
Matt Gorman, a Republican political strategist, said the episode fits a broader pattern among self-described democratic socialists.
“AOC wouldn’t be a proper socialist if she wasn’t irresponsibly spending someone else’s money,” Gorman said. “They claim to advocate for working people, yet have no problem treating themselves to luxury using donor funds.”
Michael Carbonara, a Republican congressional candidate from Florida, was even more blunt in his assessment.
“AOC rails nonstop against the rich, yet drops tens of thousands in campaign cash on luxury hotels, upscale catering, and elite venues on a Puerto Rico trip,” Carbonara said. “Socialism for you, first-class living for her. The hypocrisy writes itself.”
The National Republican Congressional Committee also weighed in, calling the spending episode “peak hypocrisy” and accusing Ocasio-Cortez of misleading voters about her values.
Democrats Warn of Broader Political Risks
While the criticism has largely come from Republicans, some Democratic strategists have expressed concern that incidents like this could complicate the party’s messaging as it continues to embrace more progressive economic policies.
Democratic strategist Doug Friednash, speaking during a recent television appearance, warned that the party risks alienating voters if its rhetoric and actions appear disconnected.
“Socialism is a complete failure,” Friednash said, arguing that voters are increasingly skeptical of politicians who criticize wealth while appearing to enjoy elite lifestyles.
Former Republican congressional candidate Rosemary Becchi added that campaign spending disclosures, while legal, often carry political consequences regardless of intent.
“Perception matters,” Becchi said. “When you position yourself as a champion of the working class, every expense is going to be scrutinized.”
Legal but Politically Fraught
There is no indication that Ocasio-Cortez violated campaign finance laws. Federal Election Commission rules allow campaigns to spend money on travel, lodging, meals, and event-related expenses as long as they are connected to official or campaign activities.
Supporters of the congresswoman argue that the trip included legitimate political engagements and that attending cultural events does not negate her policy positions. They also note that campaign funds are not personal income and are subject to strict reporting requirements.
Still, critics contend that legality does not erase the political optics.
Ocasio-Cortez has built her national profile on outspoken critiques of wealth inequality, corporate influence, and what she describes as elite excess. Episodes that appear to contradict that image, opponents argue, provide ammunition to those who question her sincerity.
A Familiar Debate for a High-Profile Lawmaker
This is not the first time Ocasio-Cortez’s lifestyle or campaign choices have drawn scrutiny. Since her upset victory in 2018, she has remained one of the most polarizing figures in American politics, praised by progressives and derided by conservatives with equal intensity.
As she continues to play a prominent role in shaping the Democratic Party’s leftward shift, episodes like the Puerto Rico spending disclosures are likely to keep her under the microscope—both from political opponents and from voters weighing whether her actions align with her words.
Whether the controversy fades or becomes a lasting political talking point may depend less on the filings themselves and more on how voters interpret the contrast between message and lifestyle in an increasingly polarized political environment.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
