On Thursday, the Office of Special Counsel, a civil service watchdog, released a report listing several instances where they found that White House adviser Kellyanne Conway had violated the Hatch Act. In effect since 1939, the Hatch Act, prohibits employees of the federal government from engaging in political activities while performing their jobs.
The OSC recommended Conway’s termination based on their findings, but conceded that the decision to terminate her would be the president’s. Special Counsel Henry Kerner told Fox News later in the day, “We respect his [Trump’s] decision and, of course, the president has any option he’d like — to reprimand or not to reprimand. It is up to the president’s discretion and we respect that.”
On Friday morning, President Trump confirmed his decision: that he would not be firing Conway. In a phone interview on “Fox and Friends,” Trump said of Conway, “I’m not gonna fire her. I think she’s a terrific person. She’s a tremendous spokesperson.”
Trump also said he will not suggest to Conway, known for her outspoken nature, to refrain from speaking out against those she considers to be political opponents. He said, “It doesn’t work that way … a person wouldn’t be able to express themselves, and I just don’t see it.”
The House Oversight committee will hold a hearing on June 26 regarding the allegations against Conway. She is invited to attend.
