Commerce Secretary Faces Ethics Scrutiny Over Tesla Stock Endorsement

Howard Lutnick's remarks on Fox News urging the public to buy Tesla shares have prompted calls for an investigation into potential violations of federal ethics rules.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick encouraged Fox News viewers to buy Tesla stock, calling it 'unbelievably cheap,' during a March 19 appearance.
Ethics experts argue Lutnick's comments may violate federal rules, including the Hatch Act, which prohibits government officials from endorsing private enterprises.
Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Democratic lawmaker, has formally requested an investigation into Lutnick's remarks, though the Republican-controlled Congress is unlikely to act on it.
The White House defended Lutnick, claiming he was supporting an American-made company, but critics see the comments as part of a broader trend of the administration promoting Tesla and Elon Musk.
Tesla's stock has dropped nearly 42% this year due to boycotts and protests, raising questions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of the administration's public endorsements.