06.05.2026 03:36
The 'sugar daddy' scandal that erupted in the Trump administration's counter-terrorism unit has put 29-year-old Julia Varvaro in the spotlight due to her relationships with wealthy businessmen. It is alleged that Varvaro spent $40,000 from businessman Robert B. for her lavish lifestyle.
The "sugar daddy" scandal that erupted at the heart of the Trump administration's counterterrorism unit has shaken Washington circles. An investigation has been launched into 29-year-old Julia Varvaro, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism, on allegations that she engaged in "mutually beneficial" relationships with wealthy businessmen to sustain her lavish lifestyle.
The scandal came to light through a formal complaint filed with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General by 57-year-old businessman Robert B., who met Varvaro on the popular dating app Hinge. In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail, Robert B. claimed that during the brief three-month period with Varvaro, he spent approximately $40,000 on first-class trips to places like Aruba, Italy, Switzerland, and San Diego, as well as Cartier jewelry and luxury handbags.
"She was very attractive, I swiped right, and that's how it all started," the businessman said, describing their meeting. But according to Robert B., satisfying the young official's passion for luxury was impossible.
One of the most striking allegations in the formal complaint involves Varvaro's education expenses. According to the claim, Varvaro told Robert B. that previous "sugar daddies" had paid for her doctoral studies, and that each of the tens of thousands of dollars worth of Cartier bracelets on her arms was a "trophy" from her former benefactors.
It was also alleged that Varvaro had a profile under the pseudonym "Alessia" on the famous "companionship" site where wealthy men meet young women. In the profile, Varvaro described herself as "a sophisticated woman who enjoys flirtatious, fun, and mysterious venues." Varvaro denied these allegations when questioned by Daily Mail. However, it was noted that the profile was deleted shortly after the newspaper contacted her.
Former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos highlighted that this situation poses a serious security risk. "An official working in a sensitive unit like counterterrorism, having unreported external income sources and being under financial pressure, could become an obvious target for foreign intelligence services," Polymeropoulos said.
DHS sources are questioning how Varvaro's background check (vetting) was conducted. It is a matter of curiosity how Varvaro, appointed to such a critical position at age 28, just one year after graduation, managed to conceal these relationships during her security investigation.
Robert B. also claimed that Varvaro used her position for personal comfort. During the trip to Aruba, he said they were greeted by a TSA supervisor at Dulles Airport and boarded the plane without waiting in the security line, and that during the trip to Italy, Varvaro promised to arrange VIP access through federal agents at the Winter Olympics.
Varvaro denied all these allegations, defending herself by saying, "What's wrong with going on vacation with my boyfriend? We were in a private relationship; I don't think I committed a crime."
Julia Varvaro is known as a loyal supporter of Trump's "MAGA" (Make America Great Again) movement. Her social media accounts feature photos with President Trump, and she frequently appeared at Mar-a-Lago events. The scandal is expected to spark a new debate over the Trump administration's national security appointments.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing internal investigations, while the Office of the Inspector General neither confirmed nor denied the existence of the investigation.