FACT Files Ethics Complaint Against Rep. Derek Tran for Using Official House Seal in Campaign Fundraising

Washington, D.C. — February 4, 2026 — The non-partisan ethics watchdog, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), has filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) urging an immediate investigation into Representative Derek Tran (D-CA) for violating federal law and House ethics rules by using the Official Seal of the U.S. House of Representatives for campaign fundraising purposes.

Federal law and House ethics rules strictly prohibit Members of Congress from using official government resources, including the Official House Seal for campaign or political purposes. These laws exist to prevent the appearance of government endorsement of political activity and to ensure public resources are used solely for official business.

FACT’s complaint details a campaign fundraising email sent by Rep. Tran that featured an image of his custom sneakers displaying the Official House Seal of the U.S. House of Representatives. In the email, Rep. Tran explicitly solicited campaign contributions while referencing the House floor and encouraging supporters to donate ahead of an FEC deadline. The email included multiple links for making campaign contributions, directly tying the use of the House Seal to political fundraising.

The complaint explains that federal criminal law prohibits the use or reproduction of the Official House Seal for any purpose other than official government business. House ethics guidance further reinforces that Members may not use official government property or imagery including the House Seal or photographs taken in House buildings for campaign fundraising or political activity.

“Members of Congress are not permitted to use official government resources to raise campaign funds. The Official House Seal is not a campaign tool. Using the House Seal in a fundraising solicitation not only violates federal law and House ethics rules, but it also falsely implies government endorsement of political activity. Given the clear facts in this case, an immediate investigation is warranted,” said Kendra Arnold, Executive Director of FACT.

FACT’s complaint emphasizes that ethics rules governing the use of official resources are essential to maintaining public trust and preventing the misuse of government authority for political gain.

A full copy of the complaint can be found here.

FACT is a nonprofit organization promoting accountability, ethics, and transparency in government and civic arenas. For more on FACT, visit: http://www.factdc.org.

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