Utah Senate Republican candidate Trent Staggs recently claimed during a debate that Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) purchased stock in Abbott Laboratories the “same day” the company was awarded a federal grant. The accusation arose during a discussion for the open Utah Senate seat, where Staggs criticized Curtis for investing in a coronavirus testing company at a time when constituents needed protection from the virus.
According to Staggs’ allegations, on March 4th, 2020, Abbott Laboratories received a federal grant. On that same day, John Curtis reportedly purchased stock in the company. Staggs emphasized the need for elected officials to prioritize their constituents over personal gains.
In response to the accusations, Curtis denied any wrongdoing and challenged Staggs to provide substantial evidence supporting his claim.
A House financial investment disclosure form reveals that Curtis purchased stock in Abbott Laboratories on the same day that the FDA granted the company a federal grant for rapid coronavirus testing. Corey Norman, Curtis’s chief of staff, stated that the congressman’s stock portfolio was managed by a company, not by Curtis himself.
Staggs maintained his stance following the debate: “What I said is that on the same day that a company was granted, or given a grant, that he traded stock in that same day.” He also mentioned that Utah congressman John Curtis no longer owns stocks.
Breitbart News reported that recently, Curtis released an ad promoting his purported pro-law enforcement policies; however, he has also shown support for the Black Lives Matter group, which advocates for defunding the police. In June 2020, Curtis wrote on Twitter, “On #Juneteenth we commemorate the official end of slavery and commit to working together to find meaningful solutions to the problems that exist in our society. Every person is deserving of our love and respect—regardless of the color of their skin. Black Lives Matter. utpol.
As this story continues to develop, it remains essential for elected officials to maintain transparency in their financial dealings and prioritize the interests of their constituents over personal gains.