Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) alleged that she was a victim of financial elder abuse when she recently gave power of attorney to her daughter, a move she says allowed her to “focus” on her work in Congress.
In reality, such a move calls into question whether the California Democrat is capable of handling her senatorial duties if she is unable to tend to her affairs at home.
Feinstein filed the document in July amidst a court battle over her late husband’s estate. She has sued the trustees of that estate, The Hill reports, alleging “elder abuse and the wrongful withholding of distributions.”
“I’ve asked my daughter to handle the case. And it’s so I can focus on what I’m doing back here in Washington,” Feinstein told The San Francisco Chronicle. “It’s a difficult time for me, and so I really don’t have time for other things.”
Dianne Feinstein focuses on Congress, gives daughter power of attorney on court mattershttps://t.co/sLIE7t3pg2 pic.twitter.com/v8g5adDvWE
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 8, 2023
Feinstein Alleged Elder Abuse, Forgot She Handed Over Power Of Attorney
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this story is that Feinstein filed to give her daughter power of attorney back in July. News of her ongoing lawsuit was reported throughout August.
And yet she forgot making the legal move when speaking with the Chronicle recently, telling them that she “gave no permission to do anything.”
She had to call the newspaper back and correct her own statement.
“I’ve entrusted my daughter to handle those things that I believe she can,” she said. “And she’s very smart, and if it doesn’t work, we’ll change it. But so far, so good.”
Sen. Dianne Feinstein forgot that she gave her daughter power of attorney, per SF Chronicle: pic.twitter.com/76OtVx4ayJ
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) September 6, 2023
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that they questioned Feinstein about the lawsuits, but she seemed unaware that her daughter had filed them on her behalf, telling the outlet she would “have to find out.”
The daughter of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., has filed a lawsuit accusing the trustees of her mother’s late husband’s estate of financial elder abuse, according to reports. https://t.co/ZUCGDxyLTL
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) August 17, 2023
Feinstein’s Age Concerns
Senator Feinstein, who turned 90 this past June, has been the subject of elder abuse claims from critics who believe she is being kept active in her congressional role as a means to hold onto her seat and eventually secure it for Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA).
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) own daughter has been seen escorting Feinstein throughout the Capitol and shielding her from reporters who may catch her in a senior moment.
Pelosi endorsed Schiff to fill Feinstein’s seat when she retires.
Politico is reporting that a member of the Pelosi family is helping prop up Feinstein because doing so would help Adam Schiff’s chances of replacing her over Barbara Lee. pic.twitter.com/msI84BxLoz
— jordan (@JordanUhl) May 18, 2023
Hillary Clinton all but confirmed Feinstein was being propped up as a power move.
In an interview with TIME, Clinton argued that even if Feinstein is not of sound mind, they need her body to physically cast votes to confirm justices appointed by President Biden.
“If we’re going to get judges confirmed, which is one of the most important continuing obligations that we have, then we cannot afford to have her seat vacant,” she said.
Hillary Clinton defended her friend and former colleague Senator Dianne Feinstein, saying that Feinstein’s resignation would not be “worth the tradeoff” when it comes to judicial appointments https://t.co/b6mFoPMsKu
— TIME (@TIME) May 24, 2023
Evidence of that nature cropped up at a Senate committee hearing in late July when a fellow Senator was seen telling the Democrat to “just say aye” during a vote on a defense appropriations bill.
An aide to Sen. Feinstein tells her to “just say aye” in regards to a floor vote.
Someone needs to do something. THIS is elder abuse. THIS is not acceptable.
— Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) July 27, 2023
Feinstein, according to The New York Times, is confused “about the basics of how the Senate functions” and has had memory issues requiring assistance from her staff “for years.”
She didn’t even remember she’d been absent from the Senate for three months during a battle with shingles.
“How have they felt about you returning?”
FEINSTEIN: “No, I haven’t been gone. You should follow the— I haven’t been gone. I’ve been working.”
“Working from home is what you’re saying?”
FEINSTEIN: “No, I’ve been here. I’ve been voting.” pic.twitter.com/kGqH3wjZkA
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 18, 2023
The real question seems to be whether or not she gave her daughter power of attorney willingly, or if she was advised to sign documents without being able to fully understand what she was doing.
Elder abuse appears to be coming from all sides. Feinstein is not capable of serving out her final term in the Senate. But then, the inability to function in your job seems to be a positive in the eyes of Democrats.
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