Friend: I’m reaching out with the latest revelations into the corruption and wrongdoing inside the Trump White House. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel just released a report showing more than a dozen top Trump administration officials violated the Hatch Act – a law that’s been in place since the 1930’s to prevent federal employees from using the power of their office to influence elections.
The names of the offenders – who the report deemed to have “intentionally ignored the law’s requirements” – should not surprise you, but are nevertheless troubling.
The list includes Kellyanne Conway, senior counselor to the president, whom the Office of Special Counsel had previously recommended to be fired for multiple “egregious” violations.
Mark Meadows, former chief of staff and one-time Republican member of Congress, violated the act on at least three occasions, including his active campaigning for Trump acolyte, conspiracy theorist, and insurrectionist Rep. Madison Cawthorn. Meadows even publicly stated that the general public doesn’t care about the Hatch Act.
And Mike Pompeo, Trump’s secretary of state and a potential 2024 Republican candidate for president, even changed State Department policy improperly and self-servingly so he could speak during the Republican National Convention. The Office of Special Counsel ruled that Pompeo’s “sole purpose was to promote President Trump’s reelection campaign.”
Friend, the rot that existed at the core of the last administration is astounding. The president and his most senior officials took repeated actions that showed they believed themselves untouchable – above the law. But in America, nobody – no matter how powerful you are – is above the law. It is long past time we hold these offenders accountable: Kellyanne Conway, Mark Meadows, Mike Pompeo, Donald Trump – and any official, family member, or member of Congress who aided in their wrongdoing.
Our democratic institutions faced grave tests during the Trump administration. Thankfully, democracy and our Constitution still stand – but those who put them in harm’s way must be brought to justice. Thank you for doing your part.
Dick
