Government watchdog says White House press secretary violated Hatch Act during midterms


A government watchdog warned White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre that she broke the law by referring to "mega MAGA Republicans" in the lead-up to the 2022 midterm elections, NBC News reported Tuesday.
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) sent a letter to Jean-Pierre informing her that she violated the Hatch Act by using the term. The Hatch Act is a federal law that "limits certain political activities of federal employees" to ensure that "federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion," according to OSC. Its main purpose is to prevent federal employees from engaging in certain political activities while doing their job.
"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," the letter said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Jean-Pierre first made the comments during a Nov. 2 press briefing, when she said that "mega MAGA Republicans" — referring to the "Make America Great Again" slogan used by the Trump White House — didn't believe in "the rule of law." A conservative group called Protect the Public's Trust filed a Hatch Act complaint against her later that month.
Following an investigation, OSC "decided to close this matter without further action" despite finding Jean-Pierre in violation of the Hatch Act, and "have decided not to pursue disciplinary action and have instead issued Ms. Jean‐Pierre a warning letter."
President Biden has often used "mega MAGA Republicans" in his speeches, but the Hatch Act does not apply to the president or vice president. The Trump administration was also subjected to numerous Hatch Act violations, and "MAGA" was used in an official capacity on the Trump White House website more than 1,780 times, The Hill reported.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
Social Security: Insolvency date keeps getting closer
Feature A new report has projected that Social Security funds could be depleted by 2033
-
Are AI lovers replacing humans?
Talking Points A third of Gen Z singles use tech as a 'romantic companion'
-
What are the Trump Accounts for kids and how do they work?
The Explainer Parents will soon be able to open tax-advantaged investment accounts on their child's behalf
-
'This comes with policy implications'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Trump attacks Obama as Epstein furor mounts
Speed Read The Trump administration accused the Obama administration of 'treasonous' behavior during the 2016 election
-
Trump administration releases MLK files
Speed Read Newly released documents on the 1968 assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did not hold any new revelations, King historians said
-
Japan's prime minister feels pressure after election losses
Speed Read Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to remain in office
-
President diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency'
Speed Read The vein disorder has given Trump swollen ankles and visible bruising on his hands
-
'Bawdy' Trump letter supercharges Epstein scandal
Speed Read The Wall Street Journal published details of Trump's alleged birthday letter to Epstein
-
Fed chair Powell in Trump's firing line
Speed Read The president considers removing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
-
Trump trashes supporters over Epstein files
speed read The president lashed out on social media following criticism of his administration's Jeffrey Epstein investigation