RNC utilizes White House for speeches and surprises despite ethics concerns
All presidents, in some way, use the powers of their office when it comes time for reelection. That includes highlighting executive orders that benefit key voting blocs or touting foreign policy achievements available only to the sitting commander in chief.
But never have those moves been so blatantly staged for political gain -- or have officials appeared so nonchalant about violating longstanding rules such as the Hatch Act, a law that is supposed to stop the federal government from affecting elections or going about its activities in a partisan manner.
There is a shrugging attitude toward the Hatch Act among many of Trump's aides,
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the US Office of Special Counsel -- an independent agency tasked with enforcing the law -- said Trump could deliver his Republican National Convention speech from the White House.
The office told members of Congress in a letter that because the President and vice president are exempt from the Hatch Act, they can deliver remarks for the RNC from the White House grounds.
"The President and Vice President are not covered by any of the provisions of the Hatch Act. Accordingly, the Hatch Act does not prohibit President Trump from delivering his RNC acceptance speech on White House grounds," a letter explaining the determination said.
But the Office of Special Counsel also asserted that White House employees could be violating the Hatch Act -- since the law generally forbids the use of government property for political activities -- if they participate in convention-related events within the White House, depending on the circumstances.
"However, White House employees are covered by the Hatch Act, so there may be Hatch Act implications for those employees, depending on their level of involvement with the event and their position in the White House," the letter said.
