Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway should be investigated over her promotion of Ivanka Trump's products, a government ethics advisory body says.
Kellyanne Conway, left, should be investigated for promoting the products of Ivanka Trump, right, says the Office of Government Ethics. Photo: AFP
The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) has found reason to believe Ms Conway had violated ethics rules, five days after she urged people to buy the US president's daughter's range while appearing on Fox News.
Her comments prompted complaints from both Democrats and Republicans.
They have now been backed by the OGE, which is an independent body.
In a letter on Tuesday, it advised the White House to investigate and possibly discipline Ms Conway.
It adds pressure to President Donald Trump's administration, in a week where national security adviser Michael Flynn was forced to step down over his contact with the Russian ambassador.
The White House has so far stood by Ms Conway, who urged people to "go buy" after retailer Nordstrom dropped Ivanka's clothing line, citing a lack of sales.
Mr Trump's press secretary Sean Spicer only said Ms Conway had been "counselled" following the incident but the OGE letter said it had received no notice of "disciplinary or any other corrective action" against her.
"There is strong reason to believe that Ms. Conway has violated the Standards of Conduct and that disciplinary action is warranted," the letter notes.
Ethics rules state officials cannot use their position for personal gain. The letter says there is no doubt she appeared on television in her official capacity, as she sat in front of the White House seal and next to an American flag.
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It recommended the investigation and any disciplinary action be taken by 28 February.