Forbes: Marjorie Taylor Greene's Response to Tesla Protests Could Violate House Regulations

Ethics Questions Raised Over Rep. Greene's Tesla Investigation Request

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) may have violated House ethics rules by calling for federal investigations into protests against Tesla, according to a recent Forbes report. The potential violation stems from Greene's substantial personal investments in the electric vehicle manufacturer. Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Forbes Report Examines Greene's Tesla Investments and DOJ Request

Forbes highlights that Greene's request for the FBI and Department of Justice to investigate Tesla protests could conflict with House ethics regulations because she owns significant shares in the company. The report details how Greene engaged in a "buying spree" of Tesla stock last year, purchasing shares worth hundreds of thousands of dollars following Elon Musk's financial support of President Donald Trump's election campaign. Danae King / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Timeline: Greene's Tesla Stock Purchases Following Musk-Trump Alliance

The timing of Greene's stock acquisitions has drawn particular scrutiny. According to Forbes, five of her Tesla stock purchases occurred after Trump appointed Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, "the most recent of which was $1,000 to $15,000 worth of shares on March 7." Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

House Ethics Rules on Congressional Influence and Financial Interests

House ethics rules explicitly state that members "may not receive compensation and may not permit compensation to accrue to the beneficial interest of such individual from any source, the receipt of which would occur by virtue of influence improperly exerted from the position of such individual in Congress." Kaboompics.com / Pexels

Potential Conflict Between Official Actions and Personal Investments

This regulation suggests that if Greene's call for investigations into Tesla protests led to federal action that subsequently increased Tesla's stock value, she could be improperly using her congressional position for personal financial gain as a Tesla shareholder. Win McNamee-Pool via Imagn Images

Ethics Expert Weighs In on Greene's Tesla Investigation Request

Brett Kappel, an attorney specializing in campaign finance, commented on the situation, telling Forbes that Greene's request "could raise a serious ethics issue" for the congresswoman. Kappel emphasized that "House ethics rules prohibit a member from taking any official action that would benefit her own financial interest." Michael Judkins / Pexels