Watchdog group finds press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre violated Hatch Act.

White House Press Secretary Violates Hatch Act

The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has determined that White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre violated the Hatch Act by using her official authority to interfere with the 2022 midterm elections. According to the OSC, Jean-Pierre repeatedly referred to GOP candidates as “mega MAGA Republicans” during official press briefings, which is a violation of the federal law that prohibits federal employees from using their official authority to affect the result of an election.

“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 agency determined in a letter shared with NBC News on Wednesday.

The watchdog group Protect the Public’s Trust filed a complaint against Jean-Pierre, alleging that she made derogatory comments about the Republican Party during a White House briefing on November 2. The group requested that Jean-Pierre face removal from office or a civil penalty fee. Although OSC officials said that her comments violated the Hatch Act, they decided to close the matter without further action.

Other Hatch Act Violations

This is not the first time that officials in the Biden administration have violated the Hatch Act. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm also violated the federal law by using their official authority to promote Democratic candidates. Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki also received a warning for advocating for a Democratic candidate.

• Xavier Becerra conveyed his support for Democratic California Senator Alex Padilla’s re-election in 2022.
• Jennifer Granholm made comments promoting electoral success for the Democratic Party during an interview with Marie Claire magazine.
• Jen Psaki advocated for the election of then-Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe.

Former Trump administration official Michael Chamberlain, who is head of Protect the Public’s Trust, condemned the lack of disciplinary action for the violation and criticized the Biden administration for not upholding the Hatch Act.

“This episode illustrates exactly what people hate about Washington, D.C. and why they increasingly distrust the Biden Administration’s promises to be the most ethical in history,” Chamberlain said in a statement to NBC. “The Hatch Act was a law used to pillory previous administrations but officials now appear content to sweep it under the rug.”

The White House spokesperson Andrew Bates stated that the executive office is reviewing the opinion and upholds the Hatch Act.

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