Why is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under pressure to conduct a witch hunt on Toyota?

Nationalism, Jingoism, Protectionism . . . Money?

Toyota has been too big for too long.

The Big Three, who can't catch up, saw a chink in Toyota's armor. Their natural response was to send lobbyists --and sacks of money-- to the appropriate people in Washington D.C.

Voila`, you have a witch hunt, uh, an investigation.

Because there is evidence of a defect in their vehicles - that has been reported to have killed several people - and there is evidence that Toyota covered up that fact - and did not report it to the proper authorities within 5-days as required by law. So - they are investigating for the violation of the law. (which is their job and very important for Toyota owners to know)