A high-profile ethics watchdog has officially called for a federal investigation into Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy following the reveal of a seven-month reality television project filmed while he was in office.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a formal complaint Monday with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Inspector General. The group is seeking clarity on whether Duffy’s “The Great American Road Trip”—a series featuring his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, and their nine children—violated federal gift bans and ethics rules regarding the use of public office for private or corporate gain.
The controversy stems from the project’s funding. While the DOT stated that “production costs were paid for by the Great American Road Trip, Inc.,” CREW points out that this nonprofit is reportedly funded by major corporations that fall directly under the DOT’s regulatory thumb.
Sponsors listed for the project include Boeing, United Airlines, Toyota, and Royal Caribbean—entities that have faced significant fines or audits by the agency in recent years.
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“As everyday Americans struggle with rising gas prices and raise concerns about airline safety, Secretary Duffy announced that he spent work time going on a trip apparently funded by the very industries his agency oversees,” CREW President Donald K. Sherman said in a statement. “The public deserves clarity on exactly how the funding for Secretary Duffy’s travel worked and assurance that the companies involved… will not receive preferential treatment.”
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The complaint highlights several potential red flags:
- Corporate Branding: A promotional video for the show features the Toyota logo prominently on a vehicle used by the family.
- Official Resources: Promotional materials were shared via official DOT social media accounts and featured the agency’s logo.
- Government Overlap: The footage includes the Duffy family visiting President Trump in the Oval Office and meeting with other high-ranking officials, such as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, in their official capacities.
Federal ethics guidelines generally prohibit executive branch employees from accepting gifts—including travel and hospitality—from “prohibited sources” that do business with or are regulated by their agency. Furthermore, officials are barred from using their titles to endorse private products or services.
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Secretary Duffy has defended the project, describing it as a “wholesome” and “patriotic” celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
He asserted on social media that “zero taxpayer dollars were spent” on his family and that the project was reviewed and approved by career ethics officials. He also noted that much of the filming took place during weekends and school breaks.
However, the watchdog group remains skeptical about the influence of the private sponsors. The nonprofit managing the show is reportedly led by a former transportation industry lobbyist, adding another layer to the conflict-of-interest allegations.
The Inspector General’s office has been asked to determine if proper protocols were followed, if any taxpayer-funded staff time was diverted to the production, and if the Secretary or his family received any prohibited gifts of travel or lodging from the corporate sponsors.
As of Monday, the Department of Transportation maintained that the Secretary received no financial compensation for the series and that all travel complied with existing federal regulations.
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