President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Transportation confirmed Wednesday that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ongoing investigation into Tesla’s self-driving software will continue in the new administration.

During a confirmation hearing Wednesday, nominee Sean Duffy was questioned by lawmakers on whether or not he would allow the NHTSA’s investigation to proceed.

“Regardless of outside political pressure,” Senator Ed Markey, Massachusetts Democrat, asked. “Can you commit to allowing (NHTSA) to follow the evidence and operate objectively?”

“I will let NHTSA do their investigation,” said Mr. Duffy, a former Republican representative from Wisconsin.

The investigation, which NHTSA opened in October 2024, covers 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the company’s full self-driving and autopilot software. The investigation began after a string of collisions involving the technology, including one fatal crash.

Complicating matters is the close relationship between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Mr. Trump. Mr. Musk is expected to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with Vivek Ramaswamy and has already had extensive access to the president-elect. Mr. Musk has previously criticized NHTSA investigations, claiming the company’s self-driving software is completely safe.

• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.