Sponsor backs away from Duffy’s cross-country road trip amid ethics concerns

Democratic lawmakers and watchdogs are scrutinizing Sean Duffy’s Great American Road Trip, a DOT outreach funded by the nonprofit Great American Road Trip Inc., amid concerns that sponsorships could amount to access. At least one potential sponsor declined to participate over ethics considerations, while other backers include Toyota, Boeing, and United Airlines. The DOT says ethics reviews were cleared, no taxpayer money funded production, and the Duffys’ activities were tied to official duties, but questions remain about the nonprofit’s role, funding transparency, and future influence.