White House official Peter Navarro’s book promotion likely violates ethics law

White House Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing Peter Navarro appears to have violated federal ethics law by using his official capacity to promote his book, according to a complaint CREW submitted to the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and White House Counsel’s Office. 

Navarro’s new book Why Fauci Must Rot in Prison will be released on October 20. In the lead up to its release, he has failed to adhere to the required separation between his private book deal and his public role as a White House official. 

On October 1, 2026, during an appearance on Bill O’Reilly’s internet show, “We’ll Do It Live!,” Navarro was introduced by his official title, “Senior Counselor to the President” and described as “the top White House trade person.” While being interviewed in his White House office, Navarro says, “I want to show this, Why Fauci Must Rot in Prison” as he holds up his book and discusses its contents. Navarro posted a clip of that interview including his discussion of the book on his official X account. 

Navarro has continued to promote his book in official appearances that violate his ethics obligations in even more explicit ways. In a video interview with Navarro on October 7 during American Sunrise on Real America’s Voice, the chyron shows an image of the book with the statement “PRE-ORDER THE NEW BOOK NOW!” and a QR code linking users to the book’s sales listing on Amazon.com. The QR code and Amazon website appear throughout the interview while a label clearly states that Navarro is speaking from the White House. Navarro made a direct plea to viewers to purchase the book: “Get it on Amazon today, please!”

Federal ethics regulations prohibit any employee from using their public office for private gain or for the endorsement of any product. In fact, the regulations specifically explain that an official “may not use their official title or refer to their Government position in a book jacket endorsement…” In addition, OGE guidance on use of social media accounts clearly instructs that “official accounts are for official purposes.” Federal law further prohibits the use of public funds for non-official purposes. By endorsing his book while making appearances in his official capacity and promoting his book on his official social media account, Navarrro is violating these ethics obligations. 

There appears to be a pattern developing in which senior officials in the Trump administration are using their official offices to benefit their own business interests or those of relatives or associates. This pattern must stop. CREW requests that the OGE and White House Counsel investigate Navarro’s conduct and take any necessary disciplinary action against him.

Photo of Peter Navarro by Victoria Pickering under Creative Commons license