A senior counterterrorism official in Donald Trump’s administration is under investigation following allegations of her personal conduct and spending allegations.
According to a Daily Mail report, a complaint has been filed with the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general against Julia Varvaro, 29, who serves as the deputy assistant secretary for counterterrorism.
The complaint was filed by a merchant identified as Robert B, who claimed he spent between $30,000 and $40,000 on Varvaro during a three-month relationship, according to news reports.
“I did not want a sugar daddy-prostitution relationship,” he said in the complaint, adding that the expenses included luxury travel, jewelry and shopping.
He further claimed, “She told me that the $40,000 worth of jewelry … was all trophies from her candy daddies.”
Robert also expressed concern about potential national security risks, according to news reports, saying, “I believe she is under financial pressure and that her actions pose a security risk.”
Profile and lifestyle claims
The complaint alleges that Varvaro maintained a profile on the sugar dating platform under the name “Alessia,” describing herself as offering a “seductive sophistication.”
The profile was reportedly removed after media inquiries. Robert also claimed that she often demanded expensive gifts, including designer items and financial help with rent.
Allegations of behavior and attitude
The report said Robert further alleged that Varvaro used her position to facilitate preferential treatment at the airport and claimed to have access to high-level government resources.
He also accused her of drug use and said he observed her using marijuana and recreational Xanax — charges he said could jeopardize her security clearance.
Varvaro denies the accusation
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Varvaro denied the claims and called the allegations baseless.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. This is just a crazy ex-boyfriend making up shit,” she said.
She denied having a sugary online dating profile and dismissed claims of drug use: “I have never taken any recreational drugs.”
Addressing the relationship, she said: “We were in an exclusive relationship together… I don’t know what the problem is.”
Financial and Personal Defense
Varvaro also disputed claims about her finances, saying she had no college debt due to scholarships and family support.
She admitted that she received financial assistance during the leave, but described it as reasonable. “It was helpful … I used to Uber to his house all the time,” she said.
Varvaro received her PhD in Homeland Security in 2024 and was appointed to her current role in 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security has not publicly commented on the investigation.
