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Lutnick urges Fox News viewers to buy Tesla stock, raising ethics questions

Washington Post
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged Fox News viewers to buy Tesla stock Wednesday night .

Federal ethics rules prohibit officials from endorsing products or businesses.

Advocates for ethics in government say it is outside norms for a presidential administration to focus so much on promoting a single company.

Last week , Trump showcased Tesla vehicles on the White House’s South Lawn and announced he was purchasing one for himself.

The White House has asserted that Musk ’s business interests would not conflict with his work in the administration.

Trump has not shied away from potential conflicts of interest in his political career.

Lutnick 's comments indicated that Trump ’s previous flouting of ethics norms may be affecting how his officials behave, Brian Brian Brian said.