Sean Duffy faces scrutiny over reality show funded by regulated companies

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has released a six-episode reality series titled ‘Great American Road Trip,’ featuring his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, and their nine children. The series, intended to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, has faced significant criticism regarding potential conflicts of interest and low viewership.

Production costs—including filming, crew, food, fuel, and lodging—were covered by the nonprofit Great American Road Trip, Inc. and accepted as a gift by the Department of Transportation. The nonprofit reportedly raised funds through tiered sponsorship levels, with ‘platinum’ packages costing $1 million. Major sponsors include companies regulated by the Department of Transportation, such as Boeing, Toyota, United Airlines, Shell, and Royal Caribbean Group. Reports indicate that Boeing and Toyota each contributed $1 million.

Despite the high-profile backing, the series has struggled to attract an audience. Early viewership data shows the six episodes have amassed only a few thousand views collectively on YouTube, with some episodes drawing fewer than 500 viewers. Critics have raised concerns that the project uses a Cabinet office to build a family media brand underwritten by industry entities the Secretary is tasked with regulating.