Government watchdog issues warning letter to Karine Jean-Pierre over violating Hatch Act: Report
Brady Knox
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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was sent a letter of warning over her apparent violation of the Hatch Act, according to a report.
In a letter reportedly shared with NBC News, the Office of Special Counsel said Jean-Pierre had violated the Hatch Act when she made a series of comments around the time of the midterm elections, warning of “mega-MAGA Republican officials.”
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When reached for comment, the OSC told the Washington Examiner that it is not in its practice to release Hatch Act warning letters, so it is unable to confirm or deny NBC News’s reporting.
According to the outlet, Ana Galindo-Marrone, who leads the group’s Hatch Act Unit, condemned Jean-Pierre’s conduct in a June 7 letter.
“Because Ms. Jean‐Pierre made the statements while acting in her official capacity, she violated the Hatch Act prohibition against using her official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election,” she wrote.
The press secretary’s remarks that were the target of the letter were made during a Nov. 2 press conference, during which she lambasted “mega-MAGA Republican officials who don’t believe in the rule of law” and demeaned Republican candidates in several other ways. The remarks represented “an inappropriate attempt to influence the vote.”
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Despite the violation, the agency decided not to pursue disciplinary action.
“We have decided not to pursue disciplinary action and have instead issued Ms. Jean‐Pierre a warning letter,” Galindo-Marrone concluded.