Rachael Rollins Resigns Amid Controversy Surrounding Fundraiser Appearance
Records from the Department of Justice reveal that former U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins initially downplayed her attendance at a Democratic fundraiser featuring former First Lady Jill Biden, asserting she had “prior approval.” Ultimately, Rollins resigned following federal investigations that found she abused her position and violated the Hatch Act by attending the event in July 2022.
In an email to her staff shortly after media coverage of the investigation began, Rollins expressed confidence that “nothing would come out” of the inquiry, insisting on her prior approval for attendance and urging cooperation from anyone contacted during the probe. Her attendance raised eyebrows after U.S. Senator Tom Cotton accused her of a "blatant violation" of federal law, prompting the DOJ’s investigation.
Rollins, who became the subject of intense scrutiny after a Herald reporter confronted her at the fundraiser, answered with a flat "No" when asked if she believed her attendance violated the Hatch Act. Further complicating her position, the reports indicated that she leaked sensitive information to the media concerning Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden, seemingly aiming to sway the race in favor of his opponent, former Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo.
Facing looming disciplinary action, Rollins resigned in May 2023. Since her departure, she has found a new role as a program executive director at Roxbury Community College, earning an annual salary of $109,852.
In a separate political development, the International Longshoreman’s Association expressed their support for mayoral candidate Josh Kraft, highlighting the significance of endorsements in the ongoing electoral race. Meanwhile, the Boston Arts Academy Foundation successfully concluded a six-year campaign, raising $35 million to enhance educational facilities for its students.
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