During his tenure as president of the University of Florida, Ben Sasse spent over $1.3 million on private catering, nearly double the expenditure of his predecessor, Kent Fuchs. A highlight of this spending was a December holiday party that cost $176,816, featuring a $38,610 sushi bar for 200 guests, translating to approximately $900 per person. The event included lavish offerings and unlimited alcohol, drawing scrutiny amid reports of Sasse's office also awarding lucrative contracts to former staff members. Following his abrupt resignation after 17 months in office, the extravagant spending sparked bipartisan criticism and calls for audits. Sasse, who earned a base salary of $1 million, faced questions regarding these expenses but did not respond immediately.