The Biden administration just can’t help weaponizing every agency and department of the federal government against political opponents, as evidenced by new action being taken against Gov. Ron DeSantis.
While the Florida Republican is busy trying to put his state back together following widespread damage inflicted by Hurricane Ian, the Treasury Department announced it is launching an investigation into whether he misused federal funds when he flew a group of about 50 illegal aliens to liberal “sanctuary” Martha’s Vineyard last month.
In a letter to Democratic lawmakers, the department’s inspector general confirmed that the agency would conduct an audit to determine if American Rescue Plan funds were misappropriated or misused to pay for the flight, Fox News reported.
Because, obviously, the agency has nothing better to do.
According to documents, Florida lawmakers authorized a $12 million migrant transport program using interest earned from the federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund, Fox News added.
“As part of its oversight responsibilities for the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, The Treasury Office of the Inspector General has audit work planned on recipients’ compliance with eligible use guidance,” the Treasury Office of the Inspector General noted in a letter dated Oct. 7, which was made public Wednesday. “In addition, as part of our oversight work of the Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the CARES Act, we have already sought information from Florida about appropriate use of that fund.”
“We will review the allowability of use of [State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund] funds related to immigration generally, and will specifically confirm whether interest earned on SLFRF funds was utilized by Florida related to immigration activities, and if so, what conditions and limitations apply to such use,” the inspector general continued.
Currently, the inspector general’s post for Treasury is vacant, but that person would report directly to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., hailed the announcement on Wednesday and took credit for sparking the Treasury Department into action.
“@USTreasury responded to my letter, confirming that it will investigate [Gov. DeSantis’] use of Covid relief funds to cruelly transport immigrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard under false pretenses and without any consideration for their personal dignity or basic needs,” Markey bragged.
.@USTreasury responded to my letter, confirming that it will investigate @GovRonDeSantis' use of Covid relief funds to cruelly transport immigrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard under false pretenses and without any consideration for their personal dignity or basic needs. https://t.co/dJJllv9Piy
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) October 12, 2022
But he was immediately dragged for Democratic hypocrisy over the issue of illegal immigration.
It’s a shame you don’t give a damn about migrant women and children being “cruelly” raped and exploited by the hundreds of thousands by the cartels, thanks to your party’s open borders policies. But boy, you sure care about those big dollar donors in the Vineyard, huh?
— Dr. Jonny Republic If You Can Keep It 🇺🇸 (@JonDougherty10) October 13, 2022
Wait… Martha’s Vineyard adopted Sanctuary city policies. They should have been prepared for them. But deported them from the area. Will the USTreasury investigate them for not providing for them? Won’t hold my breath.
— Eric Warfel (@ezewarfel) October 12, 2022
They did same thing, flying immigrants in middle of night to cities
— mikecopeland (@raspu10) October 12, 2022
