New York GOP representative allegedly violated House ethics rules by hiring lover and fiancée’s daughter for part-time jobs.
Representative Anthony D’Esposito of New York, a product of Nassau County’s Republican machine, has a deep understanding of political patronage. His family has a history of holding government positions, and he has continued this tradition by assisting friends in securing government jobs. However, his recent hiring decisions as a congressman have raised eyebrows and potentially violated ethics regulations aimed at preventing nepotism and corruption.
Upon assuming office in 2022, Mr. D’Esposito hired his fiancée’s daughter to work as a special assistant in his district office, eventually increasing her salary to approximately $3,800 per month. Subsequently, in April 2023, he employed a woman with whom he was reportedly having an affair, paying her $2,000 a month for a part-time role in the same office. Both individuals had their payments discontinued in July 2023, coinciding with Mr. D’Esposito’s fiancée discovering the affair and briefly ending their relationship.
While Mr. D’Esposito has not faced public allegations of misconduct, his employment of these two women, resulting in the expenditure of around $29,000 in taxpayer money, could potentially lead to disciplinary action within the House of Representatives.
Source: The NY Times
