Q: not use “MAGA” from the podium? A: I’ve been very clear, I have answered that question
On 6/13/2023, Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich asked Karine Jean-Pierre, “I just want to clarify your answer on the Hatch Act. So, until the White House Counsel’s Office makes its opinion, we were — should we expect not to hear you use “MAGA” from the podium?
KJP: I’ve been very clear I don’t have anything to add.
Heinrich: You — well, you had said that you’re waiting for them to make their opinion.
KJP: I — I —
Heinrich: So I just wanted to know, in the interim —
KJP: I have answered that question.
Heinrich: Okay.
Karine Jean-Pierre Says She Was “Given The Sign-Off” On Comments In Violation Of Hatch Act
Reporter: I wonder, do you believe that you violated the Hatch Act with those comments about MAGA Republicans?
KJP: So, what I can say is: At the time, I was given the sign-off — right? — to use that terminology. And — and I said this just moments ago: The letter that we received was from last week. We received that letter for something that I said months ago, so it was retroactive, if you will. I’m just not going to get into giving my opinion or thoughts.
Reporter: It’s a term that you, but also the White House press shop has used a lot in — in paper statements and everything else. So is — are you guys going to continue to use that terminology going forward?
KJP: So, look, I’m not going to get ahead of what the outcome of this might be. They’re — the White House Counsel certainly is reviewing the opinion … As you stated, we have used this term many times before. It’s nothing new in the context. And the way we use it is in the context of talking about their policies and in talking about their values.
Q: sounds like you disagree with the findings? A: we didn’t know that was the opinion
Reporter: But it sounds like you disagree with the findings. Is that true?
KJP: No. What I’m saying is that this — we got this letter last week. And — and it was retroactive, right? The letter was retroactive. I — what I — the comments that I made was months prior. And so, we didn’t know that was the opinion months prior, when it was said.
Reporter: And just more broadly, since you cite the Hatch Act so often, what is your interpretation of it? What are your limitations?
KJP: So, look, what I know is: As it relates to an ongoing election right now — right? — we’re talking about 2024 — we just are very careful. We are very careful to respect the law, the rule of law. We’re very respect- — respectful …
Q: use of “MAGA Republicans” violated Hatch Act, What kind of guidance? A: we did not know their opinion
Reporter: the Office of Special Counsel has said that your use of “MAGA Republicans” violated the Hatch Act. What kind of guidance had you previously been given by the White House Counsel on that matter?
KJP: … So, with — you know, many of you have mentioned, with friendly consternation, how often we take the — we take the Hatch Act … their opinion and — issuing a warning, but not taking further action. As you all know by reading the letter and the reports, the White House Counsel’s Office is reviewing their opinion … the opinion that you see that was presented by — by OSC happened just last week, which is — it occurred months after the briefing where I made those comments. So, basically, it is retroactive, right? The actions were retroactive, after I had made the comments. So, look, when — basically, what we’re seeing by me laying that out is that we did not know their opinion when we were able to use — to — we were be- — when we — when we were given the green light to actually say the comments that I made.
https://www.facebook.com/HygoNewsUSA/videos/1043049077078765
KJP Was “Given The Sign-Off” In Violation Of Hatch Act. Disagree? not giving opinion or thoughts