White House Press Secretary and Deputy Violate Hatch Act, Watchdog Finds

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to allegations that she violated the Hatch Act by using the term "Mega MAGA" to describe Republican policies, saying the White House "didn't know" it was a violation. The Office of the Special Counsel accused her of violating the act, which limits certain political activities of federal employees to prevent influencing elections. Jean-Pierre argued that Republicans themselves have used the term and that the OSC's opinion was retroactive. The White House Counsel's Office is reviewing the opinion and will respond.