For someone who’s made headlines for challenging the political establishment, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is now facing scrutiny from within the system she often critiques.
This time, it’s over how she labeled her fiancé on official documents—and the ethics committee isn’t letting it slide.
Ethics Committee Calls Out Conflicting Claims
In a report released last month, the House Ethics Committee took issue with how AOC referred to her fiancé, Riley Roberts, in documents connected to her 2021 appearance at the Met Gala.
Although the couple aren’t legally married, Ocasio-Cortez listed Roberts as her “spouse” on federal travel forms used to justify their attendance at the high-profile fashion event.
The committee flagged this as inconsistent and misleading, especially since Roberts wasn’t listed as a spouse in her official financial disclosures—which would require him to report his assets and holdings, just like any congressional spouse must.
Financial Transparency Questions Arise
The committee specifically noted that AOC tried to claim gift exceptions that apply only to spouses or close family members, all while sidestepping the financial disclosure rules for actual married partners.
“She sought to benefit from spouse-only exceptions while not disclosing her partner’s financial interests,” the committee wrote.
The discrepancy has now raised questions about Roberts’ potential investments—particularly if he holds stocks in companies located within AOC’s New York district.
As of now, there’s no public information about his financial ties, due to the way he was classified.
AOC Ordered to Pay Back Thousands Over Met Gala Perks
Along with the filing controversy, Ocasio-Cortez was ordered to reimburse nearly $2,700 to cover the full market value of the clothes, jewelry, and accessories she wore to the 2021 Met Gala.
Yes, that includes the now-iconic red and white “Tax the Rich” dress.
According to the committee, she underpaid for those luxury items at the time, which counts as a violation under congressional gift rules.
However, they also acknowledged that she cooperated fully during the investigation.
Roberts Had a Spouse’s Access Without the Official Title
While Roberts wasn’t legally considered a spouse, he certainly enjoyed some of the benefits.
The committee revealed that he had been issued a congressional spouse pin—an official badge that grants access to parts of the Capitol typically off-limits to the public.
The couple has been together since 2014 and living together since 2016, and he’s held the pin since AOC entered Congress in 2019.
AOC’s Legal Team Pushes Back
AOC’s attorney, David Mitrani, argued that Roberts shouldn’t be subject to financial disclosure rules because they aren’t legally married.
“Mr. Roberts is not considered a spouse under financial disclosure guidance,” he said.
Despite that, the ethics committee pointed out that Roberts was treated like a spouse in many official ways—including travel forms and Capitol access.
Ethics vs. Intent in a Modern Relationship
The committee acknowledged the nuance in AOC’s situation, noting that congressional rules don’t always account for modern relationships.
In their view, the term “spouse” was interpreted flexibly to allow lawmakers to bring their significant others to events like charity galas—regardless of marital status.
Still, they emphasized that those privileges shouldn’t come without transparency—especially when federal rules and public trust are involved.
Stock Trading Ban Push Adds Pressure
Ironically, all of this comes as Ocasio-Cortez is one of the leading voices pushing for a ban on congressional stock trading—a policy that would also cover spouses.
The ethics committee’s findings have raised eyebrows over whether she’s applying the same scrutiny to her own situation.
Could This Impact AOC’s Political Future?
While she hasn’t confirmed any plans, there’s growing speculation that AOC could run in the 2026 New York Senate race—possibly even challenging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Some are even suggesting she has her sights on the 2028 presidential race.
Her recent national tour with Bernie Sanders, promoting their “Fighting Oligarchy” campaign, only added fuel to those rumors.
Even GOP Members Think She Could Take Schumer Down
Interestingly, it’s not just progressives who think AOC has a shot.
Republican Rep. Tim Burchett recently told Fox News he believes Ocasio-Cortez could easily defeat Schumer in a primary, saying:
“No one believes what he says… I’m looking forward to her running him out of town.”
For Now, Still Focused on the Bronx
Despite all the national chatter, AOC continues to say her focus remains on representing the Bronx, where she’s comfortably won re-election every cycle since taking office in 2019.
But with ethics scrutiny now behind her—and more eyes watching her every move—many believe her next campaign will be a much bigger one.