White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has received a reprimand from the Office of Special Counsel for violating a law that prohibits public employees from influencing elections during their final days. The OSC specifically referred to Jean-Pierre’s comments made shortly before the 2022 mid-terms, in which she referred to “mega MAGA Republicans” as being a danger to democracy.

On Monday, the OSC released a resolution letter to NBC News stating that her choice of words amounted to an attempt to use public resources to influence the midterm elections.

“Because Ms. Jean‐Pierre made the statements while acting in her official capacity, she violated the Hatch Act prohibition against using her official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election,” Ana Galindo‐Marrone, who leads the agency’s Hatch Act Unit, wrote in a letter Wednesday.

Jean-Pierre made a plea to the media and the public to prevent Republicans from winning the election in her remarks.

“The President will continue to call attention to the threat to democratic integrity and to public safety by those who deny the documented truth about election results and those who seek to undermine public faith in our system of government. Unfortunately, we have seen mega MAGA Republicans do not believe in the rule of law. They refuse to accept the results of elections and they fan the flames of political violence.”

Although the OSC found Jean-Pierre in violation of the Hatch Act, they decided not to take further action. This decision was based on the White House’s counsel’s belief that Jean-Pierre’s remarks were not prohibited at the time.

“We have decided not to pursue disciplinary action and have instead issued Ms. Jean‐Pierre a warning letter. [I]t is unclear whether OSC’s contrary analysis regarding the use of ‘MAGA Republicans’ was ever conveyed to Ms. Jean‐Pierre,” Galindo‐Marrone wrote.

The White House spokesperson stated that they are committed to adhering to the Hatch Act and taking it seriously. However, the press secretary of the White House, Jean-Pierre, has faced criticism multiple times for making false or exaggerated statements, such as claiming that border crossings have decreased, there has been economic progress, and Republicans are responsible for high gas prices.