Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) is facing growing scrutiny over her campaign’s financial dealings after reports revealed that she has paid a man described as an “antisemitic spiritual guru” over $137,000 for security services. The man in question, Nathaniel Davis, has made bizarre and alarming claims, including asserting that he is 109 trillion years old and that he can summon tornados—among other strange supernatural feats.
The payments to Davis have raised significant concerns, especially given that both Davis and Bush’s husband, Cortney Merritts, who also received a six-figure sum from her campaign for security services, lack the necessary security licenses in St. Louis or St. Louis County, the areas where Bush represents constituents. The lack of professional qualifications has prompted calls for the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to investigate Bush’s campaign finances.
Kendra Arnold, Executive Director of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), emphasized that when a public official employs close family members or associates, there should be heightened scrutiny to ensure that the payments align with legal standards. Arnold pointed out that paying significant amounts to unlicensed individuals, particularly when similar services are contracted from a different source, raises red flags. “These circumstances warrant a closer look by the FEC,” she said, referencing the $60,000 Bush paid to her husband for security services last year.
While it’s not uncommon for political campaigns to hire security personnel, the payments made to Davis and Merritts stand out due to their lack of professional licensing. These financial ties to individuals with questionable backgrounds—particularly Davis, who has publicly espoused disturbing views—are drawing significant concern.
In a recent YouTube video shared by the Washington Free Beacon, Davis can be seen discussing his mystical beliefs and making bizarre claims about his supposed powers. “I can walk on water, I can make tornados, and I can heal people through ancient mystical practices,” he states. Davis goes on to talk about using “magic” from sacred texts, including the Bible and the Quran, to cause harm and wreak destruction.
While these unhinged declarations might seem outlandish, the fact that Bush’s campaign has kept him on the payroll for years is hard to overlook. The situation is even more troubling given the controversial nature of Davis’ comments, including antisemitic statements that have sparked backlash in the past.
Rep. Bush has faced criticism in the past for her progressive stances and alliances, but this new revelation has ignited a fresh wave of concerns over the integrity of her campaign finances. Calls for a full investigation by the FEC are growing louder, as voters and critics alike demand transparency and accountability from their elected officials.
In the wake of this scandal, questions linger about whether these questionable payments were truly for legitimate security services or if they were simply a cover for something far more troubling. The American people deserve answers, and as the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that Cori Bush’s handling of her campaign funds is now under the microscope.
This story raises broader questions about campaign spending, transparency, and the need for Congress to take steps to prevent misuse of campaign funds. The American people deserve leaders who will uphold the highest standards of integrity, and as this case continues to develop, it remains to be seen whether Rep. Bush will be able to clear her name or if this controversy will overshadow her political career.