Tag

#Hatch-Act

The federal law restricting political activity by government employees, preventing the use of public office for partisan purposes. Incidents involve Hatch Act violations by officials using government resources or authority for political ends.

2 incidents

Updated November 2, 2020 Rule of Law
Major Abuse of Power

Hatch Act Violations: Using White House and Federal Resources for Campaign Events

The 2020 Republican National Convention featured events staged at the White House — a building owned by the federal government and maintained with taxpayer funds — in ways that previous administrations of both parties had avoided. The OSC, which enforces the Hatch Act prohibiting federal employees from using their official capacity or government resources for political activity, found multiple violations. Secretary Pompeo's Jerusalem speech was the highest-profile Hatch Act referral; the OSC concluded he had violated the act. Other officials investigated included Kellyanne Conway (previously recommended for removal for Hatch Act violations in 2019). The naturalization ceremony conducted by USCIS Director Cuccinelli at the convention for five new citizens was also reviewed.

Sources
4
Hatch-ActWhite-HouseRNCfirst-termPompeo
Updated November 4, 2020 Corruption & Self-Dealing
Major Abuse of Power

Systematic Hatch Act Violations: Using Government Resources for Political Campaigns

The Office of Special Counsel — an independent federal watchdog — found that Trump administration officials committed the most extensive Hatch Act violations in the law's history. The 2020 Republican National Convention used the White House as a backdrop for campaign speeches by administration officials, naturalization ceremonies were used as political props, and senior White House staff used official accounts and positions to campaign. The administration declined to take any corrective action, with Conway reportedly saying she 'didn't care.'

Sources
4
Hatch-Actcorruptioncampaign-violationsKellyanne-Conwayfirst-term