CREW has asked the Department of Energy's inspector general to investigate a jewelry catalog that lists Assistant Secretary Audrey Robertson with her official DOE title. The catalog, for Trice Jewelers, used Robertson's title even though the department says the unpaid appearance occurred before her confirmation and that the vendor added the title. CREW wants the IG to determine whether she authorized the listing, received payment, had business ties to the jeweler, or sought ethics guidance.
Activists Demand Investigation After Energy Official Appears in Jewelry Catalog
An advertisement in Trice Jewelers’ 2026 Wish Book featuring Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson.Trice Jewelers via Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
The scope of alleged ethical concerns tied to the Trump administration and its appointees has kept watchdogs and the public busy. One item that recently drew scrutiny involves an appearance by a senior Energy Department official in a jewelry catalog.
Last week, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a formal complaint asking the U.S. Department of Energy's inspector general to investigate a sales catalog that includes Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson. Robertson oversees the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, which plays a role in identifying and managing minerals the agency considers important to national energy policy.
The catalog entry is an advertisement for Trice Jewelers and displays Robertson's official DOE title. CREW posted an image of the listing on social media as part of its announcement of the complaint.
Observers note additional context: CNBC reported last year that the diamond industry suffered under tariffs imposed during the Trump administration and that industry representatives lobbied for certain products to be classified as critical minerals to gain exemptions. That background has prompted questions about whether a senior official responsible for critical-minerals policy should appear in an industry advertisement, even if the appearance preceded confirmation.
The Department of Energy told Government Executive that the listing was "an oversight that has since been addressed." The statement said the appearance was an unpaid, personal engagement that occurred before Robertson's confirmation, that the vendor added her title as a biographical detail rather than an endorsement, and that Robertson asked the vendor to correct the listing once the department was notified. The statement added that Robertson adheres to ethics requirements and upholds high standards of conduct.
CREW's complaint asks the inspector general to determine whether Robertson authorized the use of her title in the catalog; whether she received any compensation for the appearance; whether she has had any business relationship with Trice Jewelers; and whether she sought or received ethics advice about the appearance.
At this writing, the inspector general's office has not publicly announced whether it will open an investigation. The complaint underscores how even pre-confirmation activities and third-party listings can raise questions about conflicts of interest or the appearance of impropriety when they involve officials responsible for policy areas that overlap with industry concerns.
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