Misuse of public office to promote products (2017)
www.citizensforethics.org

... One of the most revealing incidents involving ethics since President Trump took office was Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway's clear violation of ethics rules when she endorsed Ivanka Trump's accessories and clothing line. While Ms. Conway's violation itself was concerning, the White House's attitude toward ethics was exposed by its reaction and ultimate refusal to take any meaningful disciplinary action against her.

The incident began on February 9, when Ms. Conway endorsed Ivanka Trump's fashion products in an interview on Fox News as a way of responding to Nordstrom dropping the line and President Trump's tweet that his daughter had been treated "so unfairly." Ms. Conway first told viewers, "Go buy Ivanka's stuff is what I would tell you," and a few moments later added, "I'm going to give a free commercial here: Go buy it today, everybody; you can find it online." Ms. Conway unquestionably made these statements in her official capacity. She was introduced on the program as "Special Counselor to the President," and spoke from the White House briefing room in front of the White House seal and the American flag.

Federal ethics regulations concerning the "use of office for private gain" clearly prohibit any employee from using her government position or any authority associated with her public office to endorse "any product, service or enterprise." One example provided in the regulations even states that a government employee "may not appear in a television commercial in which she endorses" a product. ...