AOC’s Puerto Rico Trip Draws Scrutiny Over Luxury Spending Amid Gentrification Critique
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York Democrat known for her progressive stances on housing and economic inequality, faced renewed scrutiny after campaign finance disclosures revealed substantial expenditures on luxury accommodations and entertainment during a recent trip to Puerto Rico. The congresswoman, who publicly criticized gentrification on the island during her August visit, reportedly spent close to $50,000 on upscale hotels, pricey meals, and a venue rental at the same arena where she attended a Bad Bunny concert.
Federal Election Commission filings for the third quarter of 2025 show that Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign paid over $15,000 for lodging at two high-end hotels in San Juan — the Hotel Palacio Provincial and Hotel El Convento. Payments to Hotel Palacio Provincial alone totaled more than $11,000 spread across late July, August, and September, while Hotel El Convento received nearly $4,000 in August. Both properties are known for their historic charm and luxury accommodations in the heart of Puerto Rico’s capital.
In addition to lodging, the campaign spent upwards of $10,700 on meals and catering services at several upscale San Juan restaurants, including Cocina Abierta, Cocina al Fondo, and Verde Mesa. These expenses, dated between late August and September, coincide with Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s time on the island.
Perhaps most notably, the filings reveal a $23,000 payment for venue rental at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, also known as “El Choli,” where the Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny held a 31-show residency during the summer. Videos circulated on social media showed Ms. Ocasio-Cortez dancing in box seats at the concert on August 10, alongside fellow New York Representative Nydia Velázquez.
The juxtaposition of these expenditures with Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s public denunciations of gentrification and displacement has sparked debate. During her visit, she toured local housing developments and spoke out against the rising costs and cultural shifts affecting Puerto Rican communities.
Campaign finance transparency is mandated by the Federal Election Commission, which requires detailed reporting of expenditures by members of Congress. The filings for the third quarter of 2025, covering July 1 through September 30, provide a window into the spending patterns of Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign during her Puerto Rico trip.
Puerto Rico has long grappled with issues of affordable housing and economic inequality, challenges that have been exacerbated by natural disasters and subsequent recovery efforts. The island’s capital, San Juan, has seen increased tourism and investment, which some critics argue contribute to the displacement of long-time residents.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s visit was part of a broader effort by several lawmakers to highlight these concerns. However, the revelation of significant spending on luxury services and entertainment venues has drawn criticism from political opponents and commentators who question the alignment between her rhetoric and campaign expenditures.
For context, the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs oversees federal relations with U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and community preservation.
While campaign spending on travel and events is common, the scale and nature of the expenses in this instance have prompted calls for greater scrutiny. The Center for Responsive Politics tracks political spending and notes that expenditures on luxury accommodations and entertainment can raise questions about campaign priorities.
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, campaign finance details such as these are likely to become focal points in political discourse. Meanwhile, the conversation about gentrification and economic justice in Puerto Rico continues to resonate both locally and nationally.
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