Fact Check: "Boebert's latest filing omits book royalties, suggesting income has stopped."
What We Know
Rep. Lauren Boebert's recent financial disclosure for 2024 has raised eyebrows due to its unusual content—or lack thereof. The filing reportedly contains no assets, no income from her book My American Life, no bank accounts, and no mortgage on a home (The Independent). This absence of reported income, particularly from her book, suggests that either her income has ceased or was too low to report, as members of Congress are required to disclose any income over $200 from outside sources (Yahoo News).
In previous disclosures, Boebert had listed income from her book as her only asset, alongside a joint bank account with her ex-husband, Jayson Boebert (AlterNet). Following her divorce, many of her previous assets were reported under her husband's name, leading to speculation about her current financial situation (Raw Story).
Members of Congress earn a salary of $174,000, which must also be disclosed, yet the absence of any additional income or assets in Boebert's filing has led to questions about how she is financially supporting herself (Yahoo News). Investigative reporter Andrew Kerr noted the peculiarity of a 38-year-old woman with a $174,000 salary having a net worth of $0, while Business Insider's Bryan Metzger remarked that Boebert is likely one of the poorest members of Congress (The Independent, AlterNet).
Analysis
The claim that Boebert's financial disclosure omits book royalties is substantiated by multiple sources, all reporting the same lack of income from her book in her latest filing (The Independent, Yahoo News, AlterNet). This omission is significant, as it deviates from her previous disclosures where book royalties were consistently reported.
However, the context surrounding her financial situation is crucial. Boebert's recent divorce may explain the absence of previously reported assets, as many were listed under her ex-husband's name (Raw Story). Legal experts have noted that while a blank financial disclosure is unusual, it is not necessarily improper, especially following a divorce (AlterNet).
The sources reporting on this matter range from established news organizations to social media commentary, which can vary in reliability. For instance, while The Independent and Yahoo News provide factual reporting, social media posts may include personal opinions that could introduce bias. Therefore, while the claim is based on factual reporting, the interpretation of her financial situation is subject to speculation.
Conclusion
The claim that "Boebert's latest filing omits book royalties, suggesting income has stopped" is Partially True. The financial disclosure indeed does not list any income from her book, which raises questions about her financial status. However, the context of her recent divorce and the reporting of her previous assets complicate the narrative. While it suggests a significant change in her financial situation, it does not definitively prove that her income has completely stopped.
