The Department of Justice has reportedly opened an investigation into Ruben Gallego over campaign spending practices involving luxury events and family travel that were paid for using campaign funds.
According to reports, the investigation stems from a whistleblower complaint alleging potential campaign finance violations tied to expenditures made by Gallego’s campaign committees and political accounts.
The news surfaced shortly after the Senate Ethics Committee declined to pursue a separate complaint against the Arizona Democrat involving allegations of campaign finance violations and personal misconduct.
Gallego’s office criticized the investigation, accusing the Trump administration of politically motivated targeting and arguing that the senator had already been cleared by the Senate Ethics Committee.
Recent reports highlighted spending from a joint fundraising committee established by Gallego and former Congressman Eric Swalwell. Records show the committee spent more than $37,000 on tickets and meals connected to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona, where fundraising events were held.
Federal Election Commission filings also show that Gallego’s campaign committees reimbursed childcare expenses over several years, including payments to family members for babysitting services.
Additional reports detailed campaign-related travel involving destinations including Florida, California, Illinois and the Caribbean, with some trips involving family members and events connected to political fundraising activities.
Critics argue the spending raises questions about the line between legitimate campaign activity and personal benefit, while supporters note that federal election rules permit certain expenses connected to campaign work, including childcare and travel related to official political events.
Gallego has maintained that all expenditures complied with federal election law and pointed to existing FEC guidance that permits reimbursement for childcare expenses incurred as a result of campaign responsibilities.
The Justice Department has not publicly commented on the scope of the investigation or whether any charges are being considered.
The post DOJ Investigating Sen. Ruben Gallego Over Campaign Spending Questions appeared first on Real News Now.
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