House Ethics Committee Orders Ocasio-Cortez to Pay $3,000 Over 2021 Met Gala Gifts

The House Ethics Committee has ruled that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez must pay approximately $2,733.28 to cover the fair market value of the dress and accessories she wore to the 2021 Met Gala, in addition to a $250 donation to the Met's Costume Institute to cover her partner's meal. The committee found that while Ocasio-Cortez made efforts to comply with House gift rules by initially paying for the rental, she underpaid relative to the true market value and accepted free admission for her partner, which violated ethics rules. The committee emphasized there was no evidence of knowing or intentional wrongdoing, acknowledging her cooperation and legal counsel throughout the investigation. Once these payments are made, the yearslong case will be closed. Ocasio-Cortez's chief of staff stated that she accepts the ruling and will remedy the remaining amounts as she has at each step. The case drew attention due to the contrast between the event's high cost and her dress's political message advocating for taxing the wealthy.