The White House social media director acted within the law when he tweeted out a call for the defeat of a House Freedom Caucus member, a White House official insisted.
“Dan Scavino’s tweet does not violate the Hatch Act as it clearly comes from his personal account and not his official White House account,” a White House official said.
The official said Scavino created an official account when he began working at the White House to “ensure compliance with the Hatch Act.”
“He has taken the necessary steps to ensure there is a clear distinction between both Twitter accounts,” the official added.
Scavino caused controversy Saturday when he said Michigan Rep. Justin Amash is “a big liability” and called for a primary challenge against the lawmaker.
.@realDonaldTrump is bringing auto plants & jobs back to Michigan. @justinamash is a big liability.#TrumpTrain, defeat him in primary.
— Dan Scavino Jr. (@DanScavino) April 1, 2017
A White House ethics lawyer under George W. Bush said Scavino may have been in violation of the Hatch Act, which prohibits executive brach employees from partisan campaign politics.
“This is use of official position to influence an election. Look at the photo and description underneath. Bush WH would have fired him,” Richard Painter tweeted. “Look at the official photo on this page. Read the Hatch Act and fire this man NOW. Someone call OSC.”
