The Auberge du Soleil is a five-star hotel and spa in Napa Valley that attracts celebrities and tech leaders, charging about $2,000 a night. Despite its luxury, the hotel historically did not provide significant profits for Paul Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi's husband, with occasional losses or small gains. However, in 2021, after receiving millions in COVID-19 relief, the Pelosis reported their income from the resort surged to between $1 million and $5 million.
The resort received approximately $9 million from various taxpayer-funded relief programs despite appearing successful. The Pelosis also benefited from other COVID bailouts, totaling around $28 million across their various investments. Other lawmakers, like Rep. Greg Pence and Rep. Dean Phillips, faced scrutiny for also profiting from pandemic-related financial aid for their businesses.
Nancy Pelosi has not been thoroughly investigated regarding her connection to the significant funds that flowed to her family's properties during the pandemic. As the House Speaker, she was involved in passing substantial federal COVID stimulus measures. While her ethical reports show income ranges without specific amounts, her office has not responded to media inquiries about her family's profits.
Paul Pelosi, an investor known for his successful stock trades, has earned high returns. The wealth of the Pelosis has greatly increased during Nancy's time in office. Early reports suggested lawmakers were benefiting financially from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). New disclosures indicate the Pelosis' holdings received over $28 million in government funds, including loans and grants from subsequent stimulus bills.
Congress later tightened eligibility rules for financial aid to prevent lawmakers from profiting directly from programs they supported; however, it remains unclear if the Pelosis violated any ethics rules. The funds they received included substantial aid for the Auberge du Soleil and their restaurant investment, Piatti, which received around $15 million in PPP and grants, resulting in the highest income from these investments in over a decade.
This public assistance may have come at the cost of other struggling businesses, as many applicants for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund were denied. While experts see potential conflicts of interest, there is no evidence of illegal activities by the Pelosis. Concerns about the COVID relief funds include significant fraud and abuse, with estimates of losses possibly exceeding $280 billion.
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