Ben Sasse"s $1.3 million spending on UF social events revealed
- Ben Sasse spent over $1.3 million on social events during his first year as president of the University of Florida.
- His spending was about double that of his predecessor, Kent Fuchs, who spent $5.6 million in his final year.
- The report raises concerns about fiscal responsibility and the use of university funds for extravagant events.
In Gainesville, Florida, a report revealed that Ben Sasse, the former president of the University of Florida, spent over $1.3 million on social events during his first year in office. This expenditure was significantly higher than that of his predecessor, Kent Fuchs, who spent $5.6 million in his final year. Sasse's spending included private catering for lavish dinners, football tailgates, and extravagant parties, raising questions about the use of university funds. Sasse, who previously served as a U.S. senator from Nebraska, announced his resignation in July, citing his wife's health and the need to prioritize family time. Following his departure, Fuchs returned temporarily to lead the university. The report from Fresh Take Florida highlighted that Sasse's office had a total spending of $17.3 million, which was more than triple Fuchs' expenditures. Additionally, Sasse's administration was criticized for hiring six former staffers and two Republican officials at salaries exceeding those of comparable positions. Most of these hires worked remotely, not relocating to Gainesville. This raised concerns about the efficiency and necessity of such appointments. A notable event during Sasse's tenure was a holiday party he hosted, costing $176,800 for around 200 guests, featuring gourmet food and a substantial liquor bill. The source of funding for these lavish events remains unclear, with speculation about whether taxpayer dollars or donor contributions were used. Overall, the report has sparked discussions about fiscal responsibility and transparency in university spending.