A formal ethics complaint was filed on Saturday against Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, alleging the New York lawmaker misappropriated campaign funds for personal medical treatments.
The complaint claims Ocasio-Cortez spent roughly $19,000 from her campaign account on ketamine therapy and sessions with a private psychiatrist.
Federal law strictly prohibits the use of campaign contributions for personal expenses not related to a candidate’s political duties or the holding of public office.
The filing was submitted to the Office of Congressional Ethics by a watchdog group seeking a full investigation into the expenditures.
According to the financial records cited, the payments were allegedly categorized as "medical services" or "wellness consulting" over a period of several months.
The group argues that these services provided a purely personal benefit to the congresswoman, constituting a violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act.
Ketamine therapy has gained popularity as a treatment for depression, but its categorization as a campaign-related expense remains a subject of intense legal scrutiny.
Representative Ocasio-Cortez has not yet released an official statement regarding the specific allegations contained in the ethics filing.
Supporters of the representative suggest the expenses may be linked to the high-stress nature of her role, though legal experts remain skeptical of this defense.
The news comes as President Donald Trump continues to emphasize his administration's focus on government transparency and the enforcement of ethical standards.
Critics are calling for an immediate audit of her campaign finances to determine if other personal expenses were billed to her political donors.
The Federal Election Commission has the authority to levy fines or refer the matter for prosecution if a willful violation is discovered.
As the 2026 mid-term election cycle progresses, this investigation could have significant implications for the political landscape in Washington.
The Office of Congressional Ethics is expected to review the materials to determine if a formal inquiry is warranted.