Ethics organization calls for investigation into jewelry ad that features assistant secretary

A government watchdog nonprofit on Tuesday requested that the inspector general for the Energy Department investigate whether an assistant secretary violated ethics rules for appearing in a jewelry advertisement that used her official title. 

In the complaint, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington flagged that a 2026 catalog for Trice Jewelers, a Colorado-based business, features Audrey Robertson and identifies her as an assistant Energy secretary. Products in the ad include an 18 karat white gold ring priced at $22,700 as well as a platinum and 18 karat yellow gold ring that interested buyers have to call about to discover the price. 

“Officials’ use of their government position and title in nonofficial contexts creates the appearance that the employee is using their public office for private gain of another, and [Office of Government Ethics] has consistently advised against including position and title in such instances to avoid violations of these rules,” CREW wrote. “Ms. Robertson’s appearance in the catalog, coupled with the biographical information specifically identifying her title and position at the Department of Energy, implies that her support of this private jeweler is made in her official capacity and backed by the weight of the federal government.”

DOE, however, said that the Robertson ad is “an oversight that has since been addressed.” 

“The appearance was an unpaid, personal appearance made in her capacity as a private individual, prior to her confirmation. Her title was added by the vendor as a biographical detail, rather than a suggestion of endorsement,” a DOE spokesperson said in a statement to Government Executive. “Once the error came to the department’s attention, Ms. Robertson asked the vendor to make a correction. Ms. Robertson fully adheres to all ethics requirements and upholds the highest standards of conduct.” 

Still, CREW argued that the IG should look into whether Robertson authorized the use of her title and position, her participation was connected with her government duties and she was paid, otherwise compensated or has a financial interest in the jewelry business.  

Robertson was confirmed as assistant secretary on Oct. 23, 2025. She heads the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation and previously worked as an oil and gas executive. 

The jewelry ad was first reported by E&E News. 

President Donald Trump fired Energy IG Teri L. Donaldson at the start of his second term as part of a mass firing of the watchdogs. The agency is currently being led by Sarah Nelson, its assistant IG for management.