The wife of Kentucky Republican Senator Mitch McConnell and daughter of shipping mogul whose company primarily transports goods between the United States and Asia.
Secretary of Transportation
Jan. 31, 2017 –
As U.S. Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao has sought to disadvantage American maritime shipping companies in apparent attempts to benefit her family’s shipping business. Chao’s activities have led the House Oversight and Reform Committee to launch an investigation into whether Chao has used her position to benefit herself, her family, and her family’s business.
Estimated net worth (2016): $28,000,000+
Elaine L Chao | ProPublica: Trump Town
Notables
- Approved at least $78M in federal grant funds for construction projects particularly favorable to Kentucky, in a potential effort to assist her husband Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in his re-election.
Elaine Chao and McConnell’s potential conflict of interest, explained | Vox (7.11.19)
- A blatant conflict of interest, Chao neglected to divest from half a million dollars worth of stocks in one of the largest U.S. highway construction materials manufacturers, selling it only after news outlets reported she was still holding the stock.
Transportation Secretary Sells Stock in Highway Supply Company | New York Times (6.3.19)
- Chao has repeatedly tried to eliminate programs that support the ailing U.S. maritime industry in a blatant attempt to favor the Chao family shipping business, which itself receives hundreds of millions in financing from the Chinese government.
A ‘Bridge’ to China, and Her Family’s Business, in the Trump Cabinet | New York Times (6.2.19)
