All the president's salespeople: Senior officials under Trump promote products aligned with MAGA
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has endorsed a fast food chain's fries, and then there's Tesla.
TroibNews 
Donald Trump has long intertwined politics and business. Now, senior officials in the Trump administration are leveraging their government roles to support companies aligned with the MAGA movement.
Elon Musk’s account on X — the social media platform he owns — fluctuates between promoting his brands like SpaceX and Tesla and making declarations that could influence government policy. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick specifically urged Americans to invest in Musk’s Tesla. Additionally, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took part in a conversation-turned-ad for a fast-food chain that he claims is dedicated to his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.
Then there is Trump himself. He has blended the White House with his personal brand since his initial term, frequently showcasing Trump-branded products such as crypto ventures and Bibles that yield him financial benefits. Moreover, he has actively promoted the businesses of his allies, posing with his favored brand of beans at the Resolute Desk during his first term and hosting a Tesla auto show on the White House lawn.
The Trump administration’s persistent promotion of preferred businesses undermines longstanding norms — and in some instances, laws — that prevent the White House from becoming a sales floor, according to ethics experts. Officials are legally restricted from utilizing their positions “for the endorsement of any product, service, or enterprise” that may benefit themselves or acquaintances.
“It’s not unusual for an administration to hype business. ‘Buy American’ is a thing that the White House pushes — but when they’re pushing an industry, they promote multiple companies from that industry,” remarked Jordan Libowitz, vice president of communications for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a liberal-leaning ethics watchdog that has frequently disagreed with Trump. “Even if it doesn't reach the level of illegal, you still have ethics issues, and questions arise that administrations generally try to avoid.”
Kennedy attracted attention last month when he appeared with Fox News’ Sean Hannity at a Florida location of the fast-food chain Steak ’n Shake, which is attempting to connect with Trump's base. The HHS secretary praised the chain’s transition from seed-based oil — something he has vocally criticized despite a lack of scientific consensus — to beef tallow frying oil as part of his initiative to “Make America Healthy Again.”
“Steak ‘n Shake has been great,” Kennedy said. “We’re very grateful for them for RFK’ing the french fries — they turned me into a verb!”
The chain, unable to be reached for comment, recently ran a promotion offering a two-for-one deal on french fries for drivers of Teslas.
Meanwhile, Musk, while serving as a special government employee tasked with overhauling large aspects of government, continues to actively promote and manage his businesses, including SpaceX and Tesla. Trump has also expressed his support for SpaceX, attending the launch of one of its rockets shortly after winning the November 2024 election.
The White House dismissed concerns raised by ethics watchdogs, with White House spokesperson Harrison Fields stating, “All administration officials will comply with conflict of interest requirements.” Health and Human Services, the FBI, and the Commerce Department did not respond to requests for comment regarding this matter.
Musk has previously downplayed any potential conflict of interest between his governmental responsibilities and his businesses, asserting in the Oval Office in February that DOGE’s actions are “maximally transparent” so Americans can “see am I doing something that benefits one of my companies or not. It's totally obvious.”
Requests for comment from spokespeople for DOGE and Tesla went unanswered.
Some MAGA influencers who have marketed products to Trump supporters have also navigated their way into the administration. For instance, FBI Director Kash Patel mentions his role as the founder of The Kash Foundation in both his biography on the FBI website and his personal X account. The foundation continues to sell various products, including a $55 “Fight with K$H” hoodie and a deck of “government gangster” playing cards priced at $19.99, featuring a depiction of Trump in royal robes as the "conqueror of Deep State combatants" and former President Joe Biden in a jester’s hat on the King card.
Lutnick, the Commerce Secretary, has taken brand promotion to another level.
During a guest appearance on Fox News last month, Lutnick seized the chance to extol Musk as the “best entrepreneur, best technologist, best leader of any set of companies in America,” referring to Musk’s role in bringing two NASA astronauts back home on one of SpaceX’s capsules in March.
However, Lutnick’s flattery was not limited to praise for Musk’s entrepreneurial skills. The Commerce Secretary explicitly urged American consumers to invest in Tesla stock, which has struggled as consumers express their frustration regarding Musk’s political involvement.
“I think if you want to learn something on this show tonight, buy Tesla,” Lutnick told Fox News viewers. “It's unbelievable that this guy's stock is this cheap. It will never be this cheap again.”
Lutnick’s endorsement came at a particularly advantageous moment for Tesla, as he may have directly benefited from an increase in the company’s stock value. The financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, which Lutnick led prior to his appointment in the Trump administration and is now managed by his sons, reportedly holds millions in Tesla Inc. The firm upgraded its rating of Tesla to “buy” the same day Lutnick encouraged consumers to invest in the company’s stock.
Ethics watchdogs have raised alarms regarding Lutnick’s attempt to bolster Tesla's stock, warning that it could transition from questionable ethics to a breach of federal law.
The Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit organization focused on government ethics, filed a complaint with the Office of Government Ethics on March 21, requesting an investigation into whether Lutnick’s actions violated federal ethics laws prohibiting government officials from using their positions for personal gain.
“Secretary Lutnick’s actions violate the ethics rules that were enacted to hold public officials accountable to the American people,” stated CLC vice president and general counsel Kedric Payne, urging the Commerce Department and Office of Government Ethics to “hold Lutnick accountable.”
Even if Lutnick’s actions do not constitute a legal violation, they still raise ethical concerns regarding the promotion of products, according to watchdogs.
“The fact that it is the same company over and over again — and that company is the company behind the richest man in the world who also works in the administration — certainly raises the image of putting a finger on the scale and showing favoritism toward one company over others,” Libowitz noted.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
Elon Musk’s account on X — the social media platform he owns — fluctuates between promoting his brands like SpaceX and Tesla and making declarations that could influence government policy. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick specifically urged Americans to invest in Musk’s Tesla. Additionally, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took part in a conversation-turned-ad for a fast-food chain that he claims is dedicated to his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.
Then there is Trump himself. He has blended the White House with his personal brand since his initial term, frequently showcasing Trump-branded products such as crypto ventures and Bibles that yield him financial benefits. Moreover, he has actively promoted the businesses of his allies, posing with his favored brand of beans at the Resolute Desk during his first term and hosting a Tesla auto show on the White House lawn.
The Trump administration’s persistent promotion of preferred businesses undermines longstanding norms — and in some instances, laws — that prevent the White House from becoming a sales floor, according to ethics experts. Officials are legally restricted from utilizing their positions “for the endorsement of any product, service, or enterprise” that may benefit themselves or acquaintances.
“It’s not unusual for an administration to hype business. ‘Buy American’ is a thing that the White House pushes — but when they’re pushing an industry, they promote multiple companies from that industry,” remarked Jordan Libowitz, vice president of communications for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a liberal-leaning ethics watchdog that has frequently disagreed with Trump. “Even if it doesn't reach the level of illegal, you still have ethics issues, and questions arise that administrations generally try to avoid.”
Kennedy attracted attention last month when he appeared with Fox News’ Sean Hannity at a Florida location of the fast-food chain Steak ’n Shake, which is attempting to connect with Trump's base. The HHS secretary praised the chain’s transition from seed-based oil — something he has vocally criticized despite a lack of scientific consensus — to beef tallow frying oil as part of his initiative to “Make America Healthy Again.”
“Steak ‘n Shake has been great,” Kennedy said. “We’re very grateful for them for RFK’ing the french fries — they turned me into a verb!”
The chain, unable to be reached for comment, recently ran a promotion offering a two-for-one deal on french fries for drivers of Teslas.
Meanwhile, Musk, while serving as a special government employee tasked with overhauling large aspects of government, continues to actively promote and manage his businesses, including SpaceX and Tesla. Trump has also expressed his support for SpaceX, attending the launch of one of its rockets shortly after winning the November 2024 election.
The White House dismissed concerns raised by ethics watchdogs, with White House spokesperson Harrison Fields stating, “All administration officials will comply with conflict of interest requirements.” Health and Human Services, the FBI, and the Commerce Department did not respond to requests for comment regarding this matter.
Musk has previously downplayed any potential conflict of interest between his governmental responsibilities and his businesses, asserting in the Oval Office in February that DOGE’s actions are “maximally transparent” so Americans can “see am I doing something that benefits one of my companies or not. It's totally obvious.”
Requests for comment from spokespeople for DOGE and Tesla went unanswered.
Some MAGA influencers who have marketed products to Trump supporters have also navigated their way into the administration. For instance, FBI Director Kash Patel mentions his role as the founder of The Kash Foundation in both his biography on the FBI website and his personal X account. The foundation continues to sell various products, including a $55 “Fight with K$H” hoodie and a deck of “government gangster” playing cards priced at $19.99, featuring a depiction of Trump in royal robes as the "conqueror of Deep State combatants" and former President Joe Biden in a jester’s hat on the King card.
Lutnick, the Commerce Secretary, has taken brand promotion to another level.
During a guest appearance on Fox News last month, Lutnick seized the chance to extol Musk as the “best entrepreneur, best technologist, best leader of any set of companies in America,” referring to Musk’s role in bringing two NASA astronauts back home on one of SpaceX’s capsules in March.
However, Lutnick’s flattery was not limited to praise for Musk’s entrepreneurial skills. The Commerce Secretary explicitly urged American consumers to invest in Tesla stock, which has struggled as consumers express their frustration regarding Musk’s political involvement.
“I think if you want to learn something on this show tonight, buy Tesla,” Lutnick told Fox News viewers. “It's unbelievable that this guy's stock is this cheap. It will never be this cheap again.”
Lutnick’s endorsement came at a particularly advantageous moment for Tesla, as he may have directly benefited from an increase in the company’s stock value. The financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, which Lutnick led prior to his appointment in the Trump administration and is now managed by his sons, reportedly holds millions in Tesla Inc. The firm upgraded its rating of Tesla to “buy” the same day Lutnick encouraged consumers to invest in the company’s stock.
Ethics watchdogs have raised alarms regarding Lutnick’s attempt to bolster Tesla's stock, warning that it could transition from questionable ethics to a breach of federal law.
The Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit organization focused on government ethics, filed a complaint with the Office of Government Ethics on March 21, requesting an investigation into whether Lutnick’s actions violated federal ethics laws prohibiting government officials from using their positions for personal gain.
“Secretary Lutnick’s actions violate the ethics rules that were enacted to hold public officials accountable to the American people,” stated CLC vice president and general counsel Kedric Payne, urging the Commerce Department and Office of Government Ethics to “hold Lutnick accountable.”
Even if Lutnick’s actions do not constitute a legal violation, they still raise ethical concerns regarding the promotion of products, according to watchdogs.
“The fact that it is the same company over and over again — and that company is the company behind the richest man in the world who also works in the administration — certainly raises the image of putting a finger on the scale and showing favoritism toward one company over others,” Libowitz noted.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
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