Dianne Feinstein’s daughter has power of attorney over her

Dianne Feinstein's daughter has power of attorney over her

The Power of Attorney Case: A Closer Look at Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s Daughter’s Role

Dianne Feinstein’s daughter Katherine Feinstein

In a surprising turn of events, it has come to light that Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s daughter, Katherine Feinstein, possesses a power of attorney agreement that grants her some authority over her mother’s affairs. Katherine, a former San Francisco judge, filed a lawsuit against the late investor Richard Blum’s trust, identifying herself as an “attorney in fact” for her mother in the legal filing. This arrangement allowed Katherine to act on behalf of the senator. Although the extent of this power is not clear, it is raising eyebrows and prompting questions about the senator’s autonomy and decision-making.

Typically, power of attorney is granted to individuals who are unable to make their own decisions due to incapacity or other reasons. However, it can also be given for matters of convenience, as a limited power of attorney agreement. Estate planning often includes provisions for potential power of attorney agreements, ensuring that individuals are prepared for situations where they are unable to act on their own behalf momentarily or permanently due to disability, illness, accidents, or even travel.

The existence of this power of attorney agreement has led to speculation about Sen. Feinstein’s ability to serve as a senator effectively. Calls for her resignation have increased in recent times, as concerns over her ability to fulfill her duties have intensified. The senator’s battle with shingles led to her absence from congressional activities for nearly three months. Furthermore, there have been instances where she appeared confused and unaware of her surroundings during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. These incidents have only added fuel to the debate about age limits and the need for consistent performance among members of Congress.

Katherine Feinstein’s lawsuit highlights the significant medical expenses incurred by her mother. The lawsuit seeks to replace the current trustees, who are acting on behalf of Richard Blum, with Katherine as the sole trustee. Allegedly, the associates overseeing the trust have refused to reimburse Sen. Feinstein’s medical expenses. However, the associates’ attorney, Steven P. Braccini, has denied these claims, stating that no evidence of Katherine’s power of attorney has been presented and raising doubts about the necessity of such an arrangement for a sitting U.S. senator.

The power of attorney case adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about the growing “gerontocracy” in American politics. With both Sen. Feinstein and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell facing health scares, the topic of age limits for Congress members has resurfaced. Sen. Feinstein, although she previously pledged to retire after her current term, has vehemently rejected any calls for her resignation and continues to serve in Congress.

The power of attorney arrangement between Sen. Feinstein and her daughter sheds light on the intricacies of family dynamics within the political landscape. While it remains unclear to what extent Katherine Feinstein holds power over her 90-year-old mother, this case serves as a reminder that even powerful individuals sometimes require assistance when faced with health challenges or legal matters. As the controversy surrounding Sen. Feinstein’s ability to fulfill her duties rages on, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and if any further consequences will arise from this unexpected turn of events.

This article is part of “Red, White, and Gray,” a series of reports exploring America’s growing “gerontocracy.”