Rep. Cori Bush Facing Probe Over Private Security Spending

Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) is under investigation over an alleged misappropriation of government money that was set aside for her personal security. The news of the far-left lawmaker’s investigation comes after the office of the House sergeant of arms received a subpoena on Monday and a clerk announced the letter on the floor of the chamber.

Bush herself confirmed the investigation on Tuesday, saying that her office was working in full cooperation with federal investigators.

She, however, debunked the claims of the misuse of funds, saying, “Since before I was sworn into office, I have endured relentless threats to my physical safety and life. As a rank-and-file member of Congress, I am not entitled to personal protection by the House and instead have used campaign funds as permissible to retain security services. I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services. Any reporting that I have used federal funds for personal security is simply false.”

Bush is also facing investigations by the House Ethics Committee and the Federal Election Commission.

Bush’s woes sprung out from her 2022 payment of $60,000 to one of her bodyguards, who is now her husband, Courtney Merritts. The money was meant to be for “security services” for her. However, her campaign was reportedly paying over $225,000 a St. Louis-based company named PEACE Security.

Per the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, Bush’s payments to Merritts led to her scrutiny, as Fox News reported that Merritts was not a licensed security official in the District of Columbia.

Speaking about the probe, Kendra Arnold, executive director of FACT, said in a statement. “Our hope, as it always is with our complaints, is that a thorough and fair investigation reveals the truth of the matter and whether any legal violations have occurred.”

She added, “The rules and laws governing the use and disclosure of federal campaign expenditures are written to ensure that those in Congress elected to represent us do so without personally profiting from their office. We are glad that several governmental bodies have found an investigation is merited and look forward to the outcomes.”

Bush, who is seeking reelection to Congress, reportedly spent about $500,00 on private security during her first two years in office. Meanwhile, she continues to push the “Defund the police” movement.

When she was called out on her double standard in 2021, she said, “I’m going to make sure I have security because I know I have had attempts on my life and I have too much work to do. So, if I end up spending $200,000, if I spend … 10 more dollars on it, you know what? I get to be here to do the work. So, suck it up, and defunding the police has to happen. We need to defund the police and put that money into social safety nets because we’re trying to save lives.”

Rep. Cori Bush (2021): I need to have my own private security but defunding the police has to happen, so suck it up

Cori is now under criminal investigation for misusing tax funds for personal security pic.twitter.com/IuQjoqEwpS

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 30, 2024