New York Republican Congressman Anthony D’Esposito is under fire following reports that he placed his former romantic partner, Devin Faas, on his congressional payroll. The allegations, first reported by The New York Times, suggest Faas was hired in April 2023 and received $2,000 a month for a part-time position in D’Esposito’s district office. The congressman also reportedly hired his fiancée’s daughter, paying her up to $3,800 a month for a role as a special assistant, potentially violating House ethics rules.
The controversy erupted after D’Esposito’s fiancée, Cynthia Lark, allegedly discovered the affair in July. The timing of both women’s employment, combined with the personal relationship between Faas and the congressman, has drawn significant attention and criticism. The congressman’s office has refrained from commenting on the allegations, stating that they do not address "personnel matters."
📺 @News12LI airing on #NY04 TV tonight!📺
“D’Esposito gave one job to his fiancée’s daughter and another job to a woman with whom he allegedly had an affair with.” Not a good look for @ANTHONYDESPO! pic.twitter.com/F99qVq5JcT
— Alisha Heng 🇺🇸 (@alisha_hg) September 24, 2024
However, a spokesperson emphasized that D’Esposito remains focused on key issues affecting Long Islanders, such as border security and the ongoing affordability crisis.
D’Esposito, a representative of New York’s 4th Congressional District, which includes parts of Nassau County, has been in office since 2023. This scandal could lead to an investigation by the House Ethics Committee, particularly given the nature of the payments to both Faas and Lark’s daughter, which amounted to approximately $29,000 in taxpayer funds.
Donald Trump rattles off vulnerable NY House GOP members that he thinks are doing just great:
Anthony D’Esposito #NY04
Marc Molinaro #NY19
Brandon Williams #NY22
Nick LaLota #NY01Which is precisely why NY Dems will be voting them all out of office.pic.twitter.com/UPUPT9YihF
— TrumpsTaxes (@TrumpsTaxes) September 19, 2024
The backlash has been swift, with some within his own party criticizing D’Esposito. Notably, former Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from Congress after facing his own legal and ethical challenges, was quick to capitalize on the scandal.
Santos took to social media, calling D’Esposito a “dirty public servant” and accusing the Nassau County GOP of harboring corrupt figures. Santos, himself no stranger to controversy, previously faced expulsion after a House Ethics Committee report found he had misused campaign funds.
D’Esposito’s political opponents have begun questioning whether he can maintain his seat with such allegations hanging over him. While no formal charges have been filed, the congressman’s behavior has raised concerns about his judgment and ethics. His silence on the affair has left many voters wondering how this will impact his re-election bid as the 2024 congressional race heats up.
The situation remains fluid, and D’Esposito's future could hinge on whether the Ethics Committee opens an investigation into the alleged misconduct. For now, the congressman continues to perform his duties, but the shadow of this scandal looms large over his political career.
