Major Controversies Surrounding Brian Mast: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Brian Mast—discover key moments of controversy.

Brian Mast is an American politician and U.S. military veteran currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 21st congressional district since 2017. A Republican, Mast represents the Treasure Coast and northern Palm Beach County. He is currently serving his fifth term in the House of Representatives.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2016: Criticism of Obama's Middle East policy

In 2016, Brian Mast criticized President Obama's Middle East policy, asserting that ISIS's strength was due to a lack of U.S. leadership and advocating for a stronger military effort.

2016: Views on Iran nuclear deal

In 2016, Brian Mast expressed his view that President Obama's Iran nuclear deal was a betrayal of U.S. national security and its regional allies, arguing it aligned the U.S. with a Shia regime and enabled extremism.

2016: Linked to World Patent Marketing

In 2016, Brian Mast was briefly linked to World Patent Marketing, which the Federal Trade Commission shut down as an invention promotion scam. Mast denied knowledge of being on their advisory board.

June 2018: Received Donations from Igor Fruman

Between March and June 2018, Brian Mast's campaign received thousands of dollars from Igor Fruman, who later faced charges of violating federal campaign finance laws. The funds were later donated to charity.

2018: Campaign Consultant Used Hacked Data

In 2018, it was reported that Anthony Bustamante, a consultant who worked on Brian Mast's 2016 campaign, used data hacked from the Democratic National Committee by Guccifer 2.0 to adjust campaign strategy.

August 2020: Apologized for Inappropriate Jokes

In August 2020, Brian Mast apologized for "disgusting and inappropriate jokes" he made on Facebook in 2009 and 2011.

January 6, 2021: Voted Against Certifying Election of Joe Biden

On January 6, 2021, Brian Mast voted against certifying the election of President Joe Biden.

February 2021: Sold Stock in Ideal Power

In February 2021, Brian Mast sold stock in Ideal Power worth up to $50,000, which he failed to report until August 2022, violating the STOCK Act.

July 2021: Purchased Virgin Galactic Stock

In July 2021, Brian Mast purchased stock in Virgin Galactic worth up to $100,000, which he failed to disclose on time, violating the STOCK Act.

August 2021: Violated STOCK Act

In August 2021, Business Insider reported that Brian Mast had violated the STOCK Act of 2012 by failing to disclose a stock purchase in Virgin Galactic made in July 2021 on time.

August 2022: Violated STOCK Act Again

In August 2022, Business Insider reported that Brian Mast had again violated the STOCK Act after he sold stock in Ideal Power in February 2021, but failed to report it until August 2022.

October 2022: Violated STOCK Act a Third Time

In October 2022, Brian Mast reported an exchange of shares in Aphria, Inc. for shares of Tilray Brands, Inc. more than a year after the federal deadline, violating the STOCK Act for a third time.

November 1, 2023: Comparison of Palestinian civilians to Nazi Germany civilians

On November 1, 2023, while arguing for a bill to reduce humanitarian funding to Gaza during the Gaza war, Brian Mast compared Palestinian civilians to the civilians of Nazi Germany during World War II.