Pentagon to probe if Patrick Shanahan used his office to help Boeing

Mike Kane | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Crewman tow in a Boeing Co. Max 737 jet after landing at King County International Airport in Seattle, Washington, U.S., on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016. Boeing Co.’s newest 737 jetliner gunned its engines and headed into rain-streaked skies Friday, with profit and pride riding on its wings. Photographer: Mike Kane/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Pentagon’s inspector general says it will investigate a watchdog group’s allegations that acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has used his office to promote his former employer, Boeing.

Dwrena K. Allen, spokeswoman for the inspector general, said Wednesday that Shanahan has been informed of the investigation.

A Washington, D.C., watchdog group filed an ethics complaint with the Pentagon’s inspector general a week ago. The complaint filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington alleges that Shanahan has appeared to make statements promoting Boeing and disparaging competitors, such as Lockheed Martin.

Shanahan told a Senate committee last week that he supports an investigation.