In a letter addressed to the Acting Director of the US Office of Government Ethics (OGE), Senators Elizabeth Warren, Adam Schiff, Cory Booker, and Richard Blumenthal condemned what they described as an "apparent violation" of federal ethics laws.
"Ethics laws on the misuse of government positions serve a practical purpose," the lawmakers wrote, emphasizing that enforcing these regulations is of the "utmost importance."
On Tuesday, Trump examined a Tesla vehicle in the White House driveway to demonstrate support for Musk, who leads the electric car company and also heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has overseen significant cuts to the federal workforce.
"I’m gonna buy because number one, it’s a great product. As good as it gets," Trump told reporters.
The senators criticized the event, saying Trump and Musk had effectively turned the White House into "a temporary Tesla showroom."
"By promoting Tesla during an official press conference with the President while using the White House as a backdrop, Mr. Musk appeared to leverage his senior role in the government and the authority associated with the presidency to recommend Tesla and to imply that the Trump Administration endorses Tesla vehicles," the lawmakers wrote.