Sean P. Duffy

Pending investigations (1)

• DOT OIG Conflict of Interest Inquiry

  Lawmakers requested an investigation into whether Duffy's past lobbying ties influenced his department's decision to roll back passenger protection rules.

  Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General02025 Congressman Jerry Nadler

Court records (3)

• City of Seattle v. Trump

  Civil rights litigation naming Secretary Sean Duffy as a defendant in his official capacity. Status: Ongoing, with various motions to consolidate and briefing schedules filed through 2026.

  City of SeattleNot specified2025 Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority v. Duffy

  Administrative Procedure Act challenge regarding agency decisions. Secretary Duffy is a named defendant. The court ordered the production of the administrative record.

  Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityNot specified2025 CourtListener

• Martin Luther King, Jr. County v. Sean Duffy

  Petition for review of a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration decision. Secretary Duffy is a named respondent. Status: Ongoing as of February 2026.

  Martin Luther King, Jr. CountyNot specified2025 CourtListener

News reporting (3)

• Promotion of spouse's book via official DOT social media

  Ethics complaint filed alleging Secretary Duffy used his official @SecDuffy X account to promote his wife's book, 'All American Patriotism,' potentially violating federal ethics rules regarding the use of public office for private gain.

  U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector Generalnot stated2026 Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington

• Participation in 'The Great American Road Trip' reality show

  Secretary Duffy and his family participated in a reality show production sponsored by private companies regulated by the Department of Transportation. Ethics complaints have been filed regarding potential conflicts of interest and the use of official time.

  The Great American Road Trip, Inc.not stated2026 NPR

• Campaign funds used for personal travel

  Reporting indicates Duffy used campaign funds from his former committee, 'Duffy for Wisconsin,' to pay for Ritz-Carlton hotel stays, raising questions about potential campaign finance rule violations.

  Duffy for Wisconsin (Campaign Committee)57002024 Bloomberg Government

Lobbying & employment ties (2)

• Former Lobbying for Transportation-Related Clients

  Duffy was a registered lobbyist for BGR Government Affairs, representing clients including S&P Global and Gramercy Funds Management LLC. He agreed to recuse himself for one year from matters involving his former employer and clients.

  BGR Government AffairsUnknown2025 Letter to DOT IG on Duffy Conflicts of Interest

• Former Airline Industry Lobbyist

  Secretary Duffy previously worked for BGR Government Affairs and the Partnership for Open Skies, representing major airlines including American, Delta, and United.

  Partnership for Open Skies; BGR Government Affairs$70,0002020 Congressman Jerry Nadler

Stock trades (1)

• Periodic Stock Transactions

  Duffy disclosed multiple stock sales in February 2025, including holdings in Amazon, NVIDIA, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing.

  Various150002025 InsiderScope

Other documented records (4)

• Campaign Committee Ritz-Carlton Expenditures

  Duffy's campaign committee, Duffy for Wisconsin, used campaign funds to pay for stays at the Ritz-Carlton, raising questions regarding personal use of funds.

  Ritz-Carlton57002024 Bloomberg Government

• Nonprofit Ties to Former Staffers

  Reports indicate ties between the nonprofit Great American Road Trip Inc. and Duffy, involving his former staffers, one of whom also worked for his son-in-law's campaign.

  Great American Road Trip Inc.Unknown2026 POLITICO

• Use of Corporate Funds for DOT Anniversary

  Duffy has reportedly embraced using corporate money, including from companies with transportation interests, to promote Department of Transportation anniversary efforts.

  Corporate entitiesUnknown2026 The Atlantic

• Lobbying and industry ties

  Duffy is a former lobbyist for BGR Group. Ethics agreements require him to recuse from matters involving former clients for one year, though critics have raised concerns regarding DOT policy changes affecting the airline industry.

  BGR Group / Airline Industry700002025 U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs