Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm faces ethics complaint over husband’s Ford stock.

EXCLUSIVE: Ethics Complaint Filed Against Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is facing an ethics complaint over concerns of a “conflict of interest” related to her husband’s prior stock holdings in an auto manufacturer. Republican lawmakers have demanded investigations into the matter after Granholm admitted to owning Ford stock during her testimony to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The watchdog group Protect the Public’s Trust has now filed a complaint alleging a violation of ethics obligations.

Allegations of Violation

The complaint accuses Secretary Granholm of engaging in a “blatant violation of her ethics obligations” by being involved in matters related to Ford while her husband owned stock in the company. Protect the Public’s Trust Director Michael Chamberlain emphasized that Granholm, as an experienced government official, should have been aware of her legal and ethical obligations. Chamberlain called for an immediate investigation by the department’s inspector general, stating that incidents like this erode the public’s trust in the government.

In her letter to the committee, Granholm explained that she did not report the Ford shares on her financial disclosures because she only became aware of their existence in May. The shares were subsequently sold, but the acknowledgment of her ownership has drawn criticism from the GOP and watchdogs due to Ford’s close ties to the Biden administration.

Close Ties to Ford

The Biden administration’s approval of electric vehicle subsidies, which will benefit Ford, has raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest. Granholm and President Biden have actively promoted Ford’s electric car fleet, and the secretary even referred to Ford’s electric Mustang as “cool” in a department video. Additionally, Ford received a significant grant from the Energy Department to develop hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks.

Furthermore, Granholm appointed a Ford lobbyist to an advisory board focused on clean energy policies. The watchdog group argues that these actions violate the law and warrant a full investigation into the extent of Granholm’s ethical violations.

Prior Controversies

This ethics complaint follows previous controversies surrounding Granholm’s financial disclosures. Senator John Barrasso requested an investigation into Granholm’s false testimony and failure to disclose her prior ownership of Ford stock. The watchdog group also previously called for an investigation into Granholm’s alleged use of her official role to benefit an electric vehicle manufacturing company she was associated with.

The Energy Department has not yet commented on the complaint.

“As part of her commitment to ethical conduct and transparency, Secretary Granholm divested herself of conflicting assets known at the time of her confirmation and even sold assets that were not legally required to be sold,” said Energy Department spokesman David Mayorga. He emphasized that Granholm’s focus remains on delivering a clean energy future that benefits all Americans.

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