Overview

• White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates have been found to have violated the Hatch Act by using the term 'MAGA' in official communications.
• The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) issued the warning but did not recommend disciplinary action, stating that neither Jean-Pierre nor Bates appear to have used the term since mid-June.
• The Hatch Act prohibits federal government employees from engaging in campaign activity in their official capacity.
• This is the second warning for Jean-Pierre, who was previously warned for her use of the term 'mega MAGA Republicans' during press briefings in the lead up to the 2022 midterm elections.
• The White House has stated that they take the law seriously and uphold the Hatch Act.