US2 min(s) read
Published 15:44 24 Apr 2026 GMT
A senior official at the US Department of Homeland Security has been suspended after accusations that she received tens of thousands of dollars through alleged “sugar daddy” arrangements.
Julia Varvaro, a 29-year-old counterterrorism staffer, is facing scrutiny following a formal complaint that claims she maintained transactional relationships that could present a security concern to the country’s security department.
According to officials, she has been removed from her role as Deputy Assistant Secretary while the investigation is ongoing. One official said: “Varvaro is on administrative leave as a result of the investigation and she is no longer serving in her capacity as a Deputy Assistant Secretary at DHS.”
Varvaro, who was appointed to the position in May 2025 after studying Homeland Security at St. John’s University, has also been seen at several MAGA events and previously photographed with Donald Trump.
The complaint was submitted to the DHS inspector general by an individual identified as “Robert B,” who alleged he spent around $40,000 on Varvaro over a three-month relationship after meeting her on Hinge. He also claimed she had a profile on the website Seeking — a self-proclaimed “sugar dating” site, where she advertised “seductive sophistication.”
In his complaint, he alleged: “I did not want a sugar daddy/prostitution relationship, after spending $30,000-$40,000 for vacations, Cartier jewelry, expensive handbags, and various shopping trips.” He further alleged: “She told me that she does not have college debt because sugar daddies paid for her college education,” and added: “I believe that she's under financial stress and that her actions pose a security risk.”
Varvaro has strenuously rejected the allegations’ framing, saying: “I didn't know it was bad to go on vacation with your boyfriend.” She added: “We were together in an exclusive relationship. We went on vacations. I don't know what's the problem with that.”
The case has raised major concerns among former intelligence officials. Marc Polymeropoulos said: “Allegations of a sugar daddy relationship and unreported income from that relationship are serious issues for DHS security personnel that need to be resolved,” adding: “I would be curious to see what kind of vetting was done…”
