WASHINGTON — Two Democratic senators sharply questioned Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday over a family road trip funded by corporate donors whose companies his department regulates, calling the arrangement inappropriate during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the top Democrat on the subcommittee, listed the sponsors during the budget hearing. "Your vacation was paid for by Boeing, Toyota, United Airlines, Enterprise, Shell, Royal Caribbean Group," Gillibrand said. She noted that the Department of Transportation oversees many of those same companies and others involved in the trip.
Senator Patty Murray echoed the concerns, describing the project as out of touch with everyday Americans facing higher travel costs. Murray pointed out that the department oversees safety issues involving Toyota, including potential recalls, and highlighted how rising oil prices tied to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran could limit summer road trips for many families.
Duffy pushed back during the hearing, saying the trip used no taxpayer funds and received approval from a career ethics official at the department. He described the effort as a way to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States and to promote domestic travel and tourism, noting that Congress has directed him to encourage such activities.
The road trip unfolded over an eight-month period in short segments, including a nine-day spring break in April for Duffy’s children. Filming produced a five-part series available on YouTube, featuring stops at the White House, Fenway Park in Boston, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, sites in Philadelphia, and locations in Montana. The project spanned a total of 24 days of filming.
Duffy, a father of nine and former reality television star who previously served in Congress, emphasized that neither he nor his family received salary or production royalties from the show. "No one gets anything from me," he said of the sponsoring companies. He added that the trip took the form of one- to two-day getaways rather than a single extended vacation.
Critics have pointed to a promotional video that prominently features a Toyota vehicle. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed an ethics complaint alleging possible violations of federal gift and travel rules. The group urged the Transportation Department Office of Inspector General to investigate the matter.
Toyota declined to comment on the senators’ remarks. Duffy maintained that the sponsors gained no special treatment from his office in exchange for their support of the series.
The hearing also touched on broader travel challenges this summer. Murray noted that surging jet fuel costs have increased airfares significantly, while Gillibrand and Murray both referenced the impact of higher oil prices linked to ongoing Middle East tensions.
Duffy defended his participation by stressing that the project aligned with departmental goals of boosting tourism. He said the series aims to showcase American destinations and encourage families to explore the country by car.
The exchange highlighted partisan divides over ethics standards for cabinet officials. While the Democratic senators focused on potential conflicts of interest, Duffy framed the criticism as misplaced given the ethics review and lack of public expense.
Officials have not indicated whether the inspector general will open a formal review following the complaint. The five-part series is scheduled to appear on YouTube in coming weeks.