US

Kellyanne Conway should be fired for repeatedly violating law, US agency says

Senior adviser to Donald Trump criticised over comments on Democratic candidates

Kellyanne Conway speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on May 31st. Photograph: Tom Brenner/The New York Times

Thu Jun 13 2019 - 18:05

A US government watchdog agency on Thursday recommended Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to president Donald Trump, be fired for repeatedly violating US law with political comments while serving in the White House.

The White House immediately rejected the ruling by the Office of Special Counsel.

A statement from the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) cited Ms Conway’s comments in television interviews and social media posts as violations of the Hatch Act, a 1939 law prohibiting executive branch employees from engaging in some political activities. The president, vice-president and certain other senior officials are exempted from the law.

The OSC said the violations related to disparaging comments Ms Conway had made about Democratic presidential candidates.

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“Given that Ms Conway is a repeat offender and has shown disregard for the law, OSC recommends that she be removed from federal service,” the statement said.

Ms Conway is one of Mr Trump’s most loyal aides and fiercest defenders and is leading White House efforts on reducing deaths by opioids. Mr Trump likely would be loathe to have her leave the White House right when he is cranking up his re-election campaign.

White House deputy press secretary Steven Groves said the OSC action violated Ms Conway's constitutional rights to free speech and due process and was pushed by media pressure and liberal organisations. – Reuters

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