Commerce Secretary Lutnick Faces Ethics Backlash Over Tesla Stock Endorsement

Howard Lutnick's public promotion of Tesla stock raises ethical concerns, intensifying scrutiny of his leadership and conflicts of interest in the Trump administration.

• Lutnick publicly endorsed Tesla stock during a television appearance, drawing criticism due to his family's significant financial holdings in the company.
• Ethics watchdogs allege Lutnick violated federal rules prohibiting officials from endorsing private enterprises while in office.
• Wall Street executives have urged President Trump to limit Lutnick's media appearances, citing concerns over his economic messaging and frequent preemption of White House announcements.
• Lutnick has privately expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's tariff policies, fearing they may hinder upcoming USMCA trade negotiations with Canada and Mexico.
• Critics accuse Lutnick of failing to fully divest from his business interests, raising broader concerns about conflicts of interest within the administration.

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