Potential sponsor of Sean Duffy's controversial 'road trip' reality TV show pulled out over ethical concerns, report say

Source: The Independent

Saturday 16 May 2026 16:45 EDT


A company that was asked to sponsor Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s new reality show did not get involved in the project amid apparent ethical concerns, according to a new report.

Duffy and his family are set to star in The Great American Road Trip, a five-part reality show that will be released on YouTube for free next month as part of celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. The project has already drawn criticism from some nonprofit groups and Democratic politicians.

The show’s production costs were paid for by Great American Road Trip Inc., a nonprofit group run by Tori Barnes, who once worked as a lobbyist for the U.S. Travel Association. Several top corporations, including Toyota and Boeing, have also sponsored the project, according to the nonprofit’s website.

But one company declined to sponsor the project after it was approached by Barnes’ group, Politico reports. The outlet, which did not identify the company, cited an unnamed source who said there were ethical concerns about the proposal. “You’re paying for access through Tori’s group. This is a little too cute,” the source said.

Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/sean-duffy-road-trip-show-sponsor-b2977998.html