U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s former top aide, Corbin Trent, has come under scrutiny for allegedly funneling six-figure sums from his political action committee (PAC) into his own pockets, while spending minimal amounts on the PAC’s intended mission. Trent, who played a crucial role in Ocasio-Cortez’s rise to power, formed the No Excuses PAC in 2021 with the goal of eliminating the Senate filibuster by targeting Senators Joe Manchin and Kirsten Sinema.
However, recent reports indicate that the No Excuses PAC has spent very little on its stated objectives. Instead, Trent has allegedly paid himself nearly $140,000 for communication and management consulting between February 2021 and September 2023, as revealed in Federal Election Commission filings. During this period, the PAC only spent $14,831 on radio advertisements targeting Manchin and Sinema. This means that Trent received ten times more in consulting fees than the PAC spent on its primary goals.
Trent, who did not respond to requests for comment, claims that his earnings came from television appearances that furthered the PAC’s mission. However, it is worth noting that he received consistent payments even when he did not appear on television. Prior to his involvement with Ocasio-Cortez and the establishment of No Excuses, Trent co-founded Justice Democrats, a group that played a significant role in Ocasio-Cortez’s successful campaign.
No Excuses has recently shifted its focus away from the filibuster and is now reportedly urging President Biden not to run for a second term. The PAC has released an advertisement asking for donations to support this cause, stating that Biden has accomplished more in three years than most two-term presidents. However, battleground state voters allegedly claim that they will vote for Trump if Biden becomes the Democratic nominee. The ad warns Biden that attempting to cling to power could result in the destruction of democracy, while stepping aside would secure his legacy as one of the greatest presidents in history.
As of the most recent filings, No Excuses reported having just over $1,500 in its bank account and has not disclosed its total fundraising amount. Requests for comment from Ocasio-Cortez’s office have not been immediately answered.
The allegations against Trent raise concerns about the misuse of funds within political action committees and the potential impact on the credibility of individuals associated with such organizations. This incident highlights the need for transparency and accountability in campaign financing, as well as the importance of scrutinizing the actions of political operatives.
Overall, this article sheds light on the controversy surrounding a former aide of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and his alleged diversion of funds from a political action committee. It highlights the potential ethical implications and emphasizes the significance of financial transparency and responsible use of donor contributions in political campaigns.
