Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert briefly went after her former colleagues Matt Gaetz and George Santos on the paid video app Cameo — before deleting her account.
The controversial Colorado representative posted a clip on Saturday giving “America First pep talks”, birthday wishes, or other recorded messages for a fee of $250 or more.
The account reportedly did not initially identify him as a congressman, instead describing him as an “influencer”, “political speaker”, and “not your typical Republican politician”.
But according to reports, the account then stopped taking books and went out of the country altogether after experts questioned whether it would violate congressional ethics laws.
Members of Congress are not allowed to receive money or “material or value” for speaking or media appearances, known as “honoraria”, and cannot make more than $31,815 from outside sources.
Although Boebert’s fellow Republicans Matt Gaetz and George Santos gave videos on Cameo, they both resigned from their seats.
Matt Gaetz, who resigned as a diplomat after Donald Trump nominated him to be Attorney General, recently made a cameo appearance (AFP via Getty Images)
“Hey Cameo, your girlfriend from Colorado, Lauren Boebert,” the 33-year-old said in his since-deleted video. “I’m excited to join another platform where I can connect directly with fans from around the world.”
“Whether you or someone you know wants an America First pep talk, if you want to surprise friends or family with a special day message, or if you just want to know my thoughts on everything that’s on your mind, Cameo is the place to go. Meet me.”
Cameo allows actors, musicians, and other celebrities to earn money by recording short video messages to their fans (or haters).
Aaron Scherb, senior policy director at the political group Common Cause, said Colorado Politics It is unclear whether Boebert’s accounts would have been approved because the House Ethics Committee has not yet answered the question.
“Until they provide some guidance, the expectation is that members will probably be allowed to register,” Scherb said. “It looks like it might affect the ban on honoraria, but it hasn’t been tested.”