Joe Biden’s White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, violated the Hatch Act by publicly disparaging Republicans using the apparatus of the government and official White House channels during the 2022 mid terms, the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has found. But Jean-Pierre, 48, will not be punished.
“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,” wrote Ana Galindo‐Marrone, head of the Office of Special Counsel’s Hatch Act Unit, in a letter seen by NBC.
Jean-Pierre slammed “mega MAGA Republican officials who don’t believe in the rule of law” on November 2nd, accusing them of “fan[ning] the flames of political violence through what they praise and what they refuse to condemn,” amongst other comments.
Conservatives complained her behavior was inappropriate for someone working as a federal employee, not a political staffer.
Regardless, the Press Secretary will face no punishment for her lawbreaking, with the OSC confirming they have “decided to close this matter without further action”.
The penalty structure for violations of the Hatch Act includes removal from federal service, reduction in employee rank or grade, debarment from federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, reprimand, or a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000. Jean-Pierre received a “warning letter”.
