State records reveal Jeb Bush's wife shockingly expensive taste
Columba Bush, wife of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) apparently has quite a taste for the finer things in life.
In 1999, Columba Bush was detained by customs officials for "misrepresenting the amount of clothing and jewelry" she bought on a trip to Paris, The Washington Post reports. She apparently spent roughly $19,000 during the five-day trip.
The Post reports that the 1999 incident was far from the end of Bush's spending habit. State filings show that Columba Bush took out loans to buy tens of thousands of dollars of jewelry at a time from Florida store Mayors Jewelers.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Since Jeb Bush has recognized the "opportunity gap" between the rich and the poor, his wife's spending could present an issue for his political career, especially since high-profile clothing items worn by Ann Romney and Michelle Obama have been mocked in the past.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Jeb Bush told the Post that Columba Bush's shopping habits shouldn't be a factor for Jeb Bush's political career, adding that Jeb Bush knew his wife "made purchases from time to time."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published