Air Force General’s Lobbying Tactics Under Investigation Amid Relationship Controversy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Air Force is facing scrutiny after an inspector general’s report revealed that Maj. Gen. Christopher Finerty engaged in inappropriate relationships with multiple individuals while overseeing lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. The investigation, which surfaced earlier this year, highlighted concerns about potential conflicts of interest stemming from personal connections with congressional staff.

The report noted that the relationships created the perception of undue influence on lawmakers, particularly regarding funding and advocacy for Air Force initiatives. “I honestly felt sick to my stomach because it just felt so sleazy,” said a colleague of Finerty’s, referring to the nature of these relationships.

Among those involved in the investigation is Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa and an influential member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sources indicated that Ernst was previously romantically linked to Finerty and had once had a similar relationship with a Navy legislative affairs official in 2019.

While there are no laws barring lawmakers from romantic relationships with military officials, ethics experts caution that these relationships create conflicts of interest. “From an ethics standpoint, it’s severely problematic,” stated a former military legislative affairs official.

Finerty’s attorney rejected allegations of any improper conduct, asserting that the investigation found no evidence of conflict of interest. However, the inspector general report determined that Finerty violated military codes by engaging in inappropriate relationships with five women, leading to a reprimand for conduct unbecoming an officer. He retired from the Air Force in November 2023.

Despite the allegations, Ernst’s influence over military funding has remained strong. Recently, she criticized budget proposals she felt threatened Air Force resources and pushed for increased funding for military projects.

The nature of Finerty’s relationships varied and included suggestive interactions and physical encounters. According to the report, he engaged in graphic communications with at least two of the women and had an intimate relationship with a third.

Concerns about potential favoritism in military resource allocation raised alarms among some military colleagues of Finerty. A source stated, “There was a perception in my office that it was unethical and that it affected morale. People were talking about it all the time.”

Senator Ernst’s office declined to comment specifically on her relationships with military legislative liaisons but emphasized her focus on representing her constituents’ interests. A spokesperson stated, “Senator Ernst is focused on cutting waste at the Pentagon. Any insinuation otherwise is a slanderous lie — full stop.”

Ethics experts warn that relationships with military officials could expose legislators to undue influence and scrutiny. Virginia Canter, a former government ethics lawyer, remarked, “It draws into question every position she’s taken that affects his office. Once she has engaged in that kind of relationship, you must question her impartiality.”

This investigation adds to a growing narrative of ethical concerns surrounding congressional relationships with lobbyists and military officials. Such scenarios challenge accountability and governance, raising questions about how personal affiliations can impact legislative integrity.