Updated
Updated · POLITICO · May 11
DOT Says Sean Duffy Road-Trip Series Was Privately Funded by 501(c)(4) Partner
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · May 11

DOT Says Sean Duffy Road-Trip Series Was Privately Funded by 501(c)(4) Partner

11 articles · Updated · POLITICO · May 11
  • DOT said production costs for Sean Duffy’s five-part family road-trip video series were paid by Great American Road Trip, Inc., not taxpayers, after the June-bound project drew backlash over ethics and spending.
  • The department said the nonprofit covered gas, car rentals, lodging and activities, while DOT paid only for flights tied to Duffy’s official stops; it also said no taxpayer money was spent on his family.
  • Duffy said career ethics and budget officials approved his participation and travel, and that neither he nor his family received salary or royalties from the series.
  • Great American Road Trip, Inc. is a 501(c)(4) partnered with DOT on the America 250 effort; its website lists sponsors including Boeing, Toyota and United Airlines, all regulated by the department, while donor names need not be disclosed.
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