Justice Department Investigates Senator Ruben Gallego

The Justice Department has initiated an inquiry into Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) over extravagant trips and family vacations funded by campaign contributions, as confirmed by various sources.

This investigation is focused on potential violations of campaign finance laws related to the 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, with reports indicating that it stems from a whistleblower in Southern California.

The news broke shortly after the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed a complaint against Gallego that alleged campaign finance misconduct and sexual harassment.

A spokesperson for Gallego stated, “President Trump is targeting Senator Gallego while the most weaponized Justice Department in history turns a blind eye to Trump’s unprecedented corruption.” They also remarked that the timing of the investigation, following the Ethics Committee’s clearance of Gallego, was not exactly surprising.

Recently, it was reported by Politico that Gallego utilized a joint campaign account with his former partner, Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), to attend the 2023 Super Bowl in Arizona, accompanied by his wife. The Swalego Victory Fund, established in October 2022, reportedly raised more than $37,000 during this event for tickets and meals.

Since 2019, Gallego has reportedly allocated $18,000 from his campaign and political action committee on childcare expenses. This includes a $400 payment to his mother-in-law for babysitting services, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Additionally, records show that Gallego took family trips to Disney World and Disneyland, incorporating PAC retreats into these vacations. The stay at Disneyland alone amounted to nearly $1,500, excluding travel costs.

Gallego has also been reported to have spent significant campaign funds on trips to locations such as St. Barts, Miami, and Chicago with his family.

A source familiar with Gallego’s spending commented, “He just uses his campaign funds like his own personal slush fund. He’s using his campaign funds to live a lavish lifestyle.”

Despite the allegations, Gallego maintains that he has not breached campaign finance regulations, pointing out that “the FEC says childcare fees may be reimbursed” in a statement released last week.

Neither the senator’s office nor the Justice Department responded immediately to requests for comments.