Return $170K overpayment to avoid undue influence concerns

The recent reports about the sale of your home in Alexandria, Virginia raise concerning questions about the appearance of undue influence. According to public records, your residence was purchased by a company linked to Christopher Garcia, a former Trump administration political appointee and current government contractor and lobbyist, for $170,000 over the asking price. While your spokesperson claims this was an arm's-length transaction based solely on market factors, the optics of a well-connected individual with significant government dealings paying an inflated price for the Vice President's home are problematic. To remove any hint of impropriety or the perception that wealthy insiders can use their resources to curry favor with elected officials, I urge you to return the overpayment amount of $170,000. Doing so would demonstrate an unwavering commitment to ethics and send a clear message that upholding public trust takes precedence over personal gain. The American people must have full faith that elected leaders make decisions impartially and free from even the appearance of undue influence. Taking this principled step would uphold those vital democratic ideals.