WH press secretary violated rules against politics on job: Watchdog

Since taking on the role of White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre has become known for frequently dodging questions by citing the Hatch Act. The law bars civil servants from politicking during their day jobs, and Jean-Pierre uses it to deflect reporters' questions involving campaigns.

But apparently she wasn't careful enough. The Office of Special Counsel, a government agency that enforces the Hatch Act, said in a recent letter that Jean-Pierre violated the law before last year's midterm elections.

Her offence: Making frequent references to "MAGA Republicans" during White House briefings.

According to a letter from the Office of Special Counsel, Jean-Pierre "made those references to generate opposition to Republican candidates" and "accordingly, making the references constituted political activity".

The letter was posted online by The Washington Post. It was first reported by NBC News.

Penalties for Hatch Act violations are uncommon, and the office did not recommend any