Two Democratic members of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) are facing criticism for attending the Democratic National Committee (DNC) convention while their agency investigates a major campaign finance complaint. Ellen Weintraub and Shana Broussard accepted invitations to be “honored guests” at the event, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
The Trump campaign filed a complaint on July 23, arguing that President Biden’s transfer of $91.5 million to Kamala Harris is illegal and violates federal campaign finance laws. The complaint describes the transfer as a “brazen money grab” intended to bolster Harris’ campaign.
Two days after the complaint was filed, DNC officials extended invitations to all six FEC commissioners. Weintraub and Broussard accepted, while the three Republican commissioners and one Democrat declined. Ethics experts argue that attending a partisan event while investigating that same party’s activities is inappropriate and could cast doubt on the FEC’s impartiality.
Jessica Furst Johnson, a former Republican legal counsel, voiced concern about the commissioners’ participation, saying it could undermine the credibility of the investigation. Despite the controversy, an FEC spokesperson stated that the commissioners are not using DNC funds and are not staying at the primary convention hotel.
Weintraub has been accused of partisan behavior in the past, including making statements critical of President Donald Trump during previous FEC investigations. Her decision to attend the DNC convention while overseeing a high-profile investigation raises questions about whether the FEC can truly remain neutral.
