Senate Democrats are urging an investigation into President Trump and Elon Musk’s Tesla promotion at the White House this week, claiming the event breaks federal ethics laws.
Democratic Senators Adam Schiff (California), Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts), Cory Booker (New Jersey), and Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut) sent a letter to the acting director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE). In the letter, they expressed concern that “Musk—along with President Trump—is using his official position and the White House’s resources to promote his car company.”
“Ethics laws are in place to prevent the misuse of government positions,” they wrote, questioning the use of time and government resources to promote Musk’s business. “Enforcing these laws is crucial.”
Federal ethics laws prevent White House employees from endorsing private companies. However, this rule does not apply to the president.
Musk, who is working as a special government employee under Trump, is exempt from some ethics rules. But the senators argue that using the White House to promote Tesla still violates federal regulations.
During the event, Trump stood with Musk in the White House driveway next to five Tesla vehicles, including a Cybertruck. Trump said he would personally buy a Tesla, calling it a “great product” and praising Musk’s hard work.
Musk then highlighted the features of the cars, saying, “All these cars have won several awards. They’re great cars, and they’re American-made.”
The event quickly became a topic of discussion, with many saying it resembled a car show or an unpaid ad for Tesla.
In the letter, the senators pointed out that Trump, while holding notes about the cars’ prices and features, announced his decision to buy a Tesla, even though he does not drive.
When asked about the ethics concerns, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields responded that Trump made the personal choice to buy a Tesla “at market rate.”
The OGE has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Trump has encouraged his supporters to buy Tesla vehicles to show support for Musk, who has faced criticism over his role in the administration’s cost-cutting measures, including layoffs of federal workers and cuts to foreign aid programs.
The event reminded many of similar concerns during Trump’s first term, when staffers faced accusations of promoting private businesses. One of the most notable cases involved Kellyanne Conway, who promoted Ivanka Trump’s clothing line in 2017, leading to ethics complaints.
Walter Shaub, who was the head of the OGE at the time, recommended that Conway face discipline for the promotion, but the White House disagreed with the recommendation. Shaub resigned shortly afterward, saying it seemed like the businesses were benefiting from the Trump presidency.
In their letter, Senate Democrats are asking the OGE to consider an investigation to determine if Musk violated federal ethics laws and whether further action is needed.
