Ben Sasse Faces Probe Over 'Exorbitant Spending' During Time As University of Florida President

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for an investigation into former U.S. senator and University of Florida President Ben Sasse's spending following reports that he funneled millions of dollars to his GOP allies.

During his 17-month tenure as UF president, Sasse allegedly increased his office's spending to $17.3 million in his first year - more than triple the $5.6 million spent in the final year of his predecessor, Kent Fuchs, according to the Independent Florida Alligator, the university's student newspaper.

The spending spike was largely attributed to secretive consulting contracts and high-paying positions for Sasse's GOP allies and former U.S. Senate staff.

"We take the stewardship of state funds very seriously and have already been in discussions with leadership at the university and with the Board of Governors to look into the matter," Bryan Griffin, a communications director for DeSantis, told The Hill on Thursday.

Jimmy Patronis, Florida's chief financial officer and state fire marshal, wrote on X that reports of the "exorbitant spending" by Sasse were concerning and that his agency would assist with the investigation.

Here's a list of Sasse's questionable hires and spending during his time as UF president:

- Raymond Sass, former Senate chief of staff, hired as UF's vice president for innovation and partnerships. Salary: $396,000

- James Wegmann, former Senate communications director, hired as UF's remote vice president of communications. Salary: $432,000

- Taylor Silva, former Senate press secretary, hired as assistant vice president of presidential communications and public affairs. Salary: $232,000

- Raven Shirley, Kari Ridder and Kelicia Rice, served as presidential advisors. Salaries: Unknown

- Penny Schwinn, former Republican Tennessee commissioner of education, hired as UF's vice president of PK-12 and pre-bachelors programs. Salary: $367,500.

- Alice James Burns, former scheduler for U.S. Sen. Lindsay Graham, hired as director of presidential relations and major events. Salary: $205,000

- Travel expenses: $633,000, 20 times higher than Fuchs' annual average of $28,000.

- University consultants: $7.2 million, 40 times higher than Fuchs' total expenses during his eight years. A majority of the money went to McKinsey & Company, where Sasse once worked as an adviser.

- Three former McKinsey consultants. Salaries: Between $150,000 and $200,000

Sasse resigned from his leadership position last month to focus on his family following his wife's epilepsy diagnosis. The former U.S. senator from Nebraska served as president for less than two years, and had said he plans to transition to a teaching and advisory role at the school.