For years, Senator Dianne Feinstein of California has been dealing with public scrutiny regarding her health and ability to perform her duties as her political career comes to a close. Now, she and her daughter, Katherine Feinstein, are embroiled in a bitter legal and financial battle against her late husband Richard C. Blum’s three daughters. The disputes revolve around Feinstein’s desire to sell a beach house in Stinson Beach and access to the proceeds of Blum’s life insurance. These conflicts have further tarnished Feinstein’s reputation and raised concerns about her ability to manage her affairs.
Feinstein, who is one of the wealthiest members of Congress, entered the Senate with her own wealth and married into even greater wealth with Blum, a wealthy financier. The couple amassed properties and assets, including a mansion in San Francisco, vacation homes, and various other properties. Blum’s wealth, which was once thought to be that of a billionaire, has been disputed by those familiar with the family’s finances. The pandemic also took a toll on Blum’s investments, particularly those in hotels.
Feinstein, who is 90 and currently serving her sixth term in the Senate, has experienced declining health, memory issues, and cognitive decline. Despite these challenges, she has resisted calls to step down before her term ends next year. Katherine Feinstein, who has power of attorney over her mother’s legal affairs, has filed two lawsuits against Feinstein’s co-trustees. The first lawsuit concerns the sale of the beach house, while the second challenges the trustees’ handling of Blum’s life insurance proceeds, which Feinstein needs to cover her medical expenses. The lawsuits claim that the trustees have been withholding funds and impeding Feinstein’s ability to sell off parts of the trust.
In response, the trustees’ lawyer denies that any money has been withheld and questions Katherine Feinstein’s motives. There have been concerns about the cost of Senator Feinstein’s extensive home care, which may not be covered by insurance. When she was recovering from shingles, she had housekeepers and home health aides overseeing her care, and a health aide accompanied her to Washington when she returned to work.
Despite the family’s wealth, there has been anxiety over the distribution of assets and worries about the cost of care for Senator Feinstein. The feud over finances may stem from long-standing animosity between Katherine Feinstein and Blum’s daughters. Willie Brown, a longtime friend of the Feinstein family, believes that Katherine Feinstein’s actions are motivated by her genuine concern for her mother’s well-being.
In light of the ongoing legal battle, Senator Feinstein’s office has declined to comment, stating that it is a private matter.