White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre violated the Hatch Act over her "mega MAGA Republicans" remarks during her press briefing, according to a government watchdog agency.
The Official of Special Counsel finds Jean-Pierre's remarks during the midterm elections in violation of the Hatch Act.
White House Press Secretary Violated Hatch Act, Watchdog Finds
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 02: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during a daily press briefing in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on November 2, 2022 in Washington, DC.
A government watchdog agency has found that White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre has violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits her from influencing elections, after calling Republicans "mega MAGA" amid the 2022 midterm elections.
As per the Washington Post, Jean-Pierre's comments during a press briefing crossed the line, as she referred to Republicans as "mega MAGA," the Office of the Special Counsel says, noting her violation of the Hatch Act.
The Hatch Act, enacted in 1939, restricts federal employees, including those working in the White House, such as the Press Secretary, from engaging in certain political activities. Its primary goal is to ensure public officials remain non-partisan and neutral. And as such, violation of the act is a serious offense and can lead to disciplinary actions, including dismissal from their position.
Ana Galindo-Marrone says Jean‐Pierre's statements during her briefing "violated the Hatch Act prohibition against using her official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election."
The Special Counsel Office specifically pointed out that Jean-Pierre's use of the "mega MAGA Republicans" phrase while she was acting in her official capacity infringes on the 1939-enacted law.
Karine Jean-Pierre 'Mega MAGA Republicans' Remarks
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 16: Newly appointed White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre holds her first news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on May 16, 2022 in Washington, DC.
According to The Daily Mail UK, the White House Press Secretary told reporters during her press briefing last November 2 that "we have seen mega MAGA Republican officials who [do not] believe in the rule of law."
She further emphasized that the "mega MAGA Republicans" "refuse to accept the results of free and fair elections. Jean-Pierre adds that "they fan the flames of political violence through what they praise and what they refuse to condemn."
She made these remarks during the November press briefing roughly less than a week before the polls for the midterm elections kick off.
After the Press Secretary called Republicans "mega MAGA," the conservative watchdog "Protect The Public's Trust" filed a complaint to the Special Counsel Office, accusing Jean-Pierre of violating the Hatch Act.
However, NBC News reports that the Office of Special Counsel "decided not to pursue disciplinary action" against the Press Secretary despite her Hatch Act violation. Instead, the government watchdog is sending a warning letter to Jean-Pierre." The Hatch Act Unit head told Protect the Public's Trust that they have "decided to close this matter without further action."
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