A new reality show featuring a high-profile U.S. government official has sparked controversy, with one company reportedly declining to support the project due to ethical concerns. The show, titled The Great American Road Trip, is set to be released on YouTube next month as part of the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. It will star Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his family, and has already faced criticism from various groups.
The production of the five-part series is being funded by Great American Road Trip Inc., a nonprofit organization led by Tori Barnes. She previously worked as a lobbyist for the U.S. Travel Association. According to the group’s website, several major corporations, including Toyota and Boeing, have also provided financial backing for the project.
However, one company refused to sponsor the initiative after being approached by Barnes’ team, as reported by Politico. The outlet did not name the company but cited an unnamed source who expressed concerns about the arrangement. “You’re paying for access through Tori’s group. This is a little too cute,” the source said.
Barnes responded to the claims, stating that the source was anonymous because it was “a lie.” She emphasized that the secretary had met with a wide range of individuals during the trip, including port directors, small business owners, transportation experts, and destination leaders. “None of them are [Great American Road Trip] partners,” she added.
The Transportation Department confirmed that the nonprofit covered the production costs of the show. A spokesperson for the department stated: “The Secretary’s participation in the Great American Road Trip was approved by USDOT career ethic attorneys. No taxpayer dollars were used for production costs nor did the family receive any compensation for their participation.”
They further explained that celebrating America’s 250th anniversary is part of the secretary’s official duties. “The series will showcase America’s roads, landmarks, infrastructure, and people,” the statement added.
The project has drawn scrutiny from watchdog groups, including Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). The organization has requested an investigation into whether Duffy violated federal gift and travel rules.
Duffy has been vocal in defending the show, criticizing what he called the “radical, miserable left” for opposing the project. He claimed critics were trying to undermine the mission of celebrating America and teaching civics and patriotism. “They’re upset because they don’t want you to celebrate America!” he wrote on X.
According to Barnes, the project is built on three core principles:
- To celebrate America’s 250th birthday
- To promote travel and tourism
- To highlight the transportation, infrastructure, and ingenuity that shaped America over the past 250 years and will continue to do so in the future
She explained that the nonprofit is supported by partners who share these goals and believe in encouraging Americans to rediscover the country’s people, places, and experiences.
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