Allegations of misconduct against
Kellyanne Conway come to a head, following claims of Hatch Act
violations. In an interview Friday, the president declared he has
reviewed Conway’s alleged misconduct and will not fire the White House
counselor despite calls from a government watch dog group to do so.
“No, I’m not going to fire her, I think she’s a terrific person, she’s a
tremendous spokesperson,” he stated. “She’s been loyal…she’s just a
great person.”
The remarks came after the Office of Special Counsel sent an official
report to the White House Thursday, urging Conway be removed from the
federal government. U.S. officials alleged Conway repeatedly violated
the lesser-known Hatch Act, which is a law prohibiting federal officials
from using their authority to interfere with or sway elections.
The 17 page document reportedly outlined more than half a dozen
television interviews and tweets from Conway, which reportedly violated
the act by projecting opinion on current presidential candidates in her
official capacity. However, the president said he received a very strong
briefing on the matter and “based on” what he’s seen believes she
should not be dismissed.
“I would certainly not think based on what I saw yesterday — how could
you do that?” he asked “They have tried to take away her speech, and I
think you’re entitled to free speech in this country.”
In this April 30, 2019 photo, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway
talks with reporters outside the White House in Washington. (AP
Photo/Evan Vucci)
The White House has called the counsel’s allegations “deeply flawed” and
argued the law was applied too broadly in Conway’s case, which
potentially interferes with First Amendment rights.
Conway has firmly denied these violations and called them “political fuel” back in May.
“We’ve got outside groups who have political agendas trying to file
actions against me…doesn’t make them true and it doesn’t make them
relevant,” she stated.
Moving forward, the House Oversight Committee will hold a hearing on
Conway’s actions June 26th. It’s unclear whether she will appear amid
the president’s ongoing refusal to allow current and former White House
advisers to testify to Congress.
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