Kentucky Auditor Finds ‘Concerning Luxury’ Spending By Democrat Governor
Kentucky’s top fiscal watchdog is raising red flags over what she describes as lavish and unnecessary spending inside the executive branch led by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear — a rising Democrat widely viewed as harboring presidential ambitions for 2028.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Republican State Auditor Allison Ball detailed findings from a newly released fiscal year 2025 spending report, warning that taxpayers deserve greater accountability and transparency.
Ball’s report, based on expenditures entered into the Commonwealth’s eMARS system by the executive branch, flags what she calls “concerning expenditures” — including $183,576 in out-of-state travel costs.
Among the line items highlighted:
- $7,632 for a limousine in Germany
- $17,013 for a dinner at a Kentucky distillery
- $360,000 for 75 people attending a two-day conference within the state
“We saw some really excessive, really worrying and questionable expenditures,” Ball told Fox News Digital.
She also pointed to roughly $338,000 spent by the governor’s office and tourism cabinet on a nonprofit called First Saturday in May — an organization tied to events surrounding the annual Kentucky Derby.
“For example, one of the things we saw is that the governor and the tourism cabinet spent about $338,000 on a nonprofit called First Saturday in May. So, for people who are not from Kentucky, the first Saturday in May is when the [Kentucky] Derby happens. So, that money actually went to events for VIPs to come in and celebrate and observe the Derby,” she added.
Ball emphasized that while security spending for elected officials is legitimate, many of the flagged expenses appear to go well beyond basic safety needs.
“I absolutely think the governor needs security. We want people to be safe. We don’t want anything to happen to our elected officials,” Ball explained. “But this is the time when you look at, OK, are you spending an excessive amount? And I think $7,000 for limo services in Germany, $5,000 to navigate the airport in Switzerland, hotels like in Beverly Hills, Aspen.
“We even found an expenditure in the hundreds of dollars for something called the Caribou Club, which is a private club in Aspen. So, these expenses are essentially luxury items when you’re looking at where they’re at and the amount of money that’s being paid,” she said.
Beyond travel and entertainment costs, the report outlines broader executive branch spending, including:
- $39 million in advertising expenditures across departments
- More than $7 million in out-of-state travel
- Over $23 million in in-state travel
- More than $16 million allocated to training sessions, conferences, food, and trade shows
Ball noted that lawmakers specifically requested scrutiny of travel, conference, and food-related expenses during the budget process — areas she said can “get out of control quick if you’re not paying close attention.”
“It’s a budget year, and this is when the General Assembly is actually crafting what money they’re going to appropriate through all levers of state government. And that’s why they asked us, this is early in the process, and they wanted to know, ‘OK, what is the executive branch spending its money on?” Ball explained.
“And they specifically asked us about travel. They asked about conferences. They ask us about food and beverage because those are the things usually that can get out of control quick if you’re not paying close attention. So, we’re here just to provide information,” she went on.
Gov. Beshear dismissed the audit as politically motivated, telling WHAS-11 that his office was not properly consulted.
“They never asked us any questions, and you have to do that if it’s an audit report,” Beshear recently told WHAS-11. “All they did was take lines, and they didn’t ask questions because if they had gotten the answers, they couldn’t have done the political attack that it was.”
Ball responded that pushback from elected officials is nothing new.
“It’s no surprise” when officeholders object to findings, she said, “but my job is about transparency.”
The spending scrutiny comes as speculation grows about Beshear’s national ambitions. Last summer, he told CNN he was considering a presidential run in 2028. According to The Hill, Beshear has confirmed he is still weighing a bid, though he says he will not make a final decision until his term ends in late 2027.
Supporters argue that his ability to win statewide in deep-red Kentucky makes him an attractive Democratic contender. Critics, however, contend that fiscal stewardship — especially in a time of economic strain — will be central to any national campaign.
With the General Assembly actively shaping the next budget, Ball’s report ensures that executive branch spending will remain under the microscope. And as Kentucky voters — and potentially the nation — look ahead to 2028, questions about priorities, transparency, and taxpayer dollars are unlikely to fade quietly.