On July 29, 2025, Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) escalated her campaign against Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), entering a claim into the Congressional Record that Schiff misappropriated $32 million in taxpayer funds during the Trump-Russia collusion investigation. Luna, a vocal Trump ally, alleges Schiff, as former House Intelligence Committee chair, abused his authority by pushing a “hoax” that fueled the 2017-2019 Mueller probe. She cites the Durham report, which criticized the FBI’s handling of unverified intelligence, as evidence of Schiff’s misconduct.
Luna’s accusation revives her 2023 resolution to censure Schiff and fine him $16 million—half the probe’s cost—which passed after removing the fine due to Republican objections. The Mueller investigation, costing $32 million, found no direct evidence of Trump-Russia collusion but detailed Russian interference in the 2016 election. Schiff’s defenders, including Senator Jamie Raskin, argue he acted on legitimate concerns, with a 2020 Senate report confirming Russia’s pro-Trump efforts. They dismiss Luna’s claims as political retaliation for Schiff’s role in Trump’s impeachments.
Supporters of Luna, buoyed by a July Rasmussen poll showing 46% approval for Trump’s leadership, demand accountability, alleging Schiff misled the public with claims of “more than circumstantial evidence” of collusion. Critics counter that Luna’s focus distracts from pressing issues, like Trump’s tariff policies, which have generated $113.3 billion but risk inflation. Legal experts note prosecution is unlikely due to statutes of limitations. As Schiff campaigns for Senate, Luna’s move underscores ongoing partisan battles over the Russia probe’s legacy.
