In a recent ruling, the independent Office of Special Counsel (OSC) determined that White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and deputy press secretary Andrew Bates violated the Hatch Act by using the term 'MAGA' to describe certain Republicans. The OSC stated that their actions were contrary to official guidance on the law, which aims to prevent federal employees from using their positions to influence elections.

The violations occurred when Jean-Pierre and Bates criticized the budget plan proposed by 'MAGA' Republicans earlier this year. This came just days after Jean-Pierre had been warned about violating the Hatch Act. The OSC had previously notified government officials that terms like 'MAGA' were off-limits as they were considered campaign-related slogans.

While White House officials frequently cite the Hatch Act in press briefings to decline answering campaign-related questions, Jean-Pierre and Bates continued to use the term 'MAGA' when referring to 'extreme MAGA Republicans' and their agenda. The OSC's ruling comes after it found Jean-Pierre in violation of the Hatch Act for repeatedly using the term ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, although no action was taken against her at that time.

The complaint against Jean-Pierre and Bates was filed by conservative watchdog group Protect the Public's Trust, led by former Trump administration official Michael Chamberlain. Chamberlain expressed his concern, stating, "Apparently, nobody takes the Hatch Act very seriously, at least nobody that matters. Ms. Jean-Pierre cites it frequently to avoid tough questions, but when she and her deputy received the initial warning from OSC, they doubled down."

The Hatch Act violations by Jean-Pierre and Bates highlight the ongoing challenges of navigating the line between official duties and political campaign activities. The OSC's ruling raises questions about the enforcement of the Hatch Act and the consequences for those found in violation. It is worth mentioning that during the Trump administration, several officials, including adviser Kellyanne Conway, were found guilty of violating the Hatch Act.

As for Jean-Pierre, she has been a frequent user of the Hatch Act to avoid answering campaign-related questions. In December 2023, she utilized it to deflect inquiries regarding campaign donations to President Biden from disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. Additionally, in April, she invoked the Hatch Act when declining to comment on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s announcement to challenge President Biden for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. In January, she also relied on the Hatch Act to avoid answering questions about Biden serving a full four-year second term.

The White House maintains that it takes the Hatch Act seriously and upholds its provisions. However, this recent ruling sheds light on the challenges faced by spokespersons in adhering to the law's guidelines while fulfilling their roles as communicators for the administration.