This Leftist is in trouble. Their actions are coming back to bite them.
And a leading Democrat has been caught in a groundbreaking election scandal that has major consequences.
Unusual Campaign Spending Raises Questions for Rep. Eugene Vindman
In a curious twist, Rep. Eugene Vindman’s congressional campaign spent nearly $39,000 last month at a Florida bookstore, labeling the payments as a “fundraising expense.” The timing and location of these transactions have sparked intrigue, as they align with book-signing events held by Vindman’s twin brother, Alexander Vindman, at the same store for his book, “The Folly of Realism.”
Alexander, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and a central figure in former President Trump’s first impeachment, promoted his book at Books & Books in Coral Gables, Florida. He shared on social media that he signed hundreds of copies of his work, which critiques Western policies toward Russia, around the same time Eugene’s campaign made two significant payments to the bookstore: $7,809.55 on March 7 and $30,972.97 on March 20. The book, published by Hachette Book Group, retailed for $30 upon its February 25 release and briefly appeared on the New York Times “hardcover nonfiction” bestseller list.
Books & Books, a well-known independent bookstore with multiple Miami-area locations, confirmed to the New York Post that Alexander’s signings were at its Coral Gables branch, where the campaign funds were directed. A store employee also revealed that Eugene’s team had inquired about how the bookstore would handle media questions, suggesting an awareness of potential scrutiny.
However, Federal Election Commission (FEC) records offer no clarity on what the “fundraising expense” covered—whether it involved purchasing copies of Alexander’s book in bulk or other activities remains undisclosed.
The payments stand out as unusual. Over the past 15 years, FEC filings show no significant political fundraisers hosted at Books & Books. The only recorded expenses tied to the bookstore are minor, such as small meal costs from groups like Emily’s List or former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferré’s 2010 Senate campaign, none exceeding $54.
Notably, Books & Books was the sole Florida-based recipient of funds from Eugene Vindman’s campaign in the first quarter of 2025.
Adding to the questions, Alexander posted a photo on March 9—two days after the first payment—showing himself signing stacks of his book. On March 21, a day after the second, larger payment, Eugene shared images from a chili cookoff in Caroline County, Virginia, with no mention of Florida or fundraising events. Later, on April 12, Alexander announced he had signed an additional 800 copies of “The Folly of Realism” at the store.
Your books are signed and on the way! Thank you for ordering from the iconic Books and Books in Miami Florida! https://t.co/nfz7z5gstE pic.twitter.com/SX5EDmIpVT
— Alexander S. Vindman 🇺🇸 (@AVindman) March 9, 2025
The New York Post contacted representatives for both brothers and Books & Books management to clarify whether a political fundraiser occurred at the bookstore, but no responses were provided. The lack of transparency has drawn criticism, particularly given Eugene’s campaign rhetoric.
Having narrowly won Virginia’s 7th District seat by championing anti-corruption efforts and highlighting his support for his brother during the impeachment saga, Eugene now faces questions about his campaign’s financial decisions.
“Eugene Vindman’s hypocrisy is rich,” said Maureen O’Toole, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, when speaking to the New York Post. “Vindman is in Congress to advance his own out of touch agenda and, apparently, bail out his family’s abysmal literary endeavors. Virginians will kick this lying loser to the curb next November.”
This isn’t the first time Eugene’s financial dealings have raised eyebrows. Last year, the New York Post reported that he declined to address whether taxpayer-funded trips to Ukraine, facilitated through the State Department’s “Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group” program, were linked to his business ventures.
Eugene boasted to the Prince William Times in 2023 about making 14 trips to Ukraine, during which his company, Trident Support LLC, attempted to sell weapons systems to Kyiv. Curiously, Trident shared the same PO box as his congressional campaign.
Financial disclosures also show Eugene received $125,000 from Trident in early 2024, despite claims he earned no salary from the company.
As questions swirl about the bookstore payments and their purpose, the Vindman brothers’ intertwined public and private endeavors continue to invite scrutiny.
For a congressman who campaigned on integrity, these financial mysteries may test the trust of his constituents.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
