Rep. Maxine Waters’ 2020 campaign committee, Citizens for Waters, has agreed to pay a $68,000 fine following a Federal Election Commission (FEC) investigation that uncovered multiple campaign finance violations. According to official documents, the committee failed to properly report financial activity, accepted excessive individual donations, and made prohibited cash payments. The agreement with the FEC allows both parties to avoid litigation and includes a requirement that the campaign treasurer attend a training session.
The investigation found that in 2019 and 2020, the campaign improperly accepted $19,000 in contributions from seven individuals, exceeding the federal limit of $2,800 per person. Though the campaign eventually returned the excess funds, the process was delayed. Additionally, the FEC noted that the campaign made four unlawful cash disbursements exceeding $100 each, totaling $7,000. Waters’ team claimed it sought legal advice and took corrective steps to ensure future compliance.
Leilani Beaver, an attorney for Citizens for Waters, maintained that the infractions were unintentional and not deliberate. Waters, who has served in Congress since 1991 and is the ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, has previously faced scrutiny over campaign finances. In 2023, reports revealed her campaign had paid her daughter over $192,000 for a controversial slate mailer program.
The FEC has previously dismissed other allegations against Waters, including a 2018 case involving questionable contributions. Still, the recent fine adds to a pattern of financial controversy surrounding her campaign operations. These issues have continued to draw public and media attention.
Beyond campaign finance, Waters has also made headlines for her outspoken remarks. At a Los Angeles protest, she questioned First Lady Melania Trump’s immigration status in response to former President Trump’s stance on birthright citizenship. Waters has also publicly criticized figures like Elon Musk, asserting that he has overstepped his influence in U.S. financial and governmental matters.
