Democratic Florida Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s Christmas message may not be as innocuous as it seems at first glance.
“From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season,” reads a caption attached to an official portrait of Cherfilus-McCormick.
From my family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe holiday season. 🎄#SCM #FL20 pic.twitter.com/rO7VVjCggA
— Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (@CongresswomanSC) December 25, 2025
That portrait, commenters noticed, appears to have been digitally altered to remove a yellow diamond ring from her finger.
Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted in November for allegedly stealing $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds. The indictment alleges Cherfilus-McCormick shelled out $109,000 in federal disaster relief money to purchase a “Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond” ring, according to the Miami New Times. That description would appear to match the ring featured in Cherfilus-McCormick’s official portrait. (RELATED: Democratic Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Indicted Over ‘Stealing’ FEMA Funds)
Cherfilus-McCormick denied the allegations of fraud on Nov. 20, saying in a statement, “This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment — and I am innocent. The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues. From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved.
“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi 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. We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.”
If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison, according to the DOJ’s press release.
And if Cherfilus-McCormick is innocent, she needs a new social media advisor. One who’s familiar with the Streisand effect: Trying to hide something, especially if you do it sloppily, only makes people more curious. (RELATED: Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Plays Race Card When Asked Why She Was Indicted)
I reached out to her office but did not immediately hear back.
Follow Natalie Sandoval on X: @NatSandovalDC
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