Democratic Florida Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick's Christmas message may not be as innocuous as it seems.
“From my family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful and safe holiday season,” reads the caption for the official portrait Carvilus-McCormick.
From my entire family, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful and safe holiday season. 🎄#SCM #FL20 pic.twitter.com/rO7VVjCggA
— Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (@Congress WomanSC) December 25, 2025
This portrait, commentators noticedappears to have been digitally manipulated to remove a yellow diamond ring from her finger.
Carvilus-McCormick was accused in November on charges of stealing $5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) means. The indictment alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick spent $109,000 in federal disaster relief money to purchase a ring with an “Unusual Vivid Yellow Diamond.” in accordance with Miami New Times. This description appears to match the ring depicted in Cherfilus-McCormick's official portrait. (RELATED: Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Charged with 'Stealing' FEMA Funds)
Carvilus-McCormick rejected fraud charges on November 20, the statement said: “This is an unfair, unfounded, fictitious accusation – and I am innocent. The timing itself is curious and clearly intended to divert attention from much more pressing national issues. From day one, I have fully cooperated with every legitimate request and will continue to do so until this matter is resolved.
“Using disaster relief funds to enrich oneself is a particularly selfish and cynical crime,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). “No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain. In this case, we will follow the facts and restore justice.”
If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison, according to a Justice Department press release.
And if Cherfilus-McCormick is innocent, she needs a new social media consultant. Anyone familiar with the Streisand effect: trying to hide something, especially if you do it carelessly, only makes people more curious. (RELATED: Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick plays the race card when asked why she was charged)
I contacted her office but did not immediately hear back.
Follow Natalie Sandoval on X: @NatSandovalDC
