(JustPatriots.com)- Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm violated the Hatch Act when she made comments supporting the Democrat Party securing majorities in both chambers of Congress during a magazine interview, according to the US Office of Special Counsel.
While the violation was clear, the special counsel let Granholm off with a warning because she had not yet received the proper training when she violated the act.
The Hatch Act prohibits government employees from using their official position to promote a political party or candidate or influence elections.
During a televised interview with Marie Claire, Granholm had boasted that “marching” and “voting” gave the Democrat Party a majority in both chambers of Congress, enabling the White House to push its agenda.
The Office of the Special Counsel determined that Granholm’s comments, given in her official capacity, were political and promoted the Democrat Party’s electoral success, therefore she “violated the Hatch Act’s use of official authority prohibition.”
At the same time, the watchdog conceded that when she made those comments, Granholm hadn’t yet received training on the issue but has since learned about the restrictions in the Hatch Act.
How is that possible?
How many times during the Trump administration was the media screeching about Hatch Act violations? Was Jennifer Granholm living under a rock for four years?
The investigation was opened following a complaint filed by the Foundation for Accountability & Civic Trust.
A spokesperson for the Department of Energy said in a statement that the OSC had notified the Energy Secretary of her “unintended and unknowing infraction” and the complaint “is now closed.”
The spokesperson claimed that Granholm “takes her ethics obligations seriously” and is “laser-focused” on pushing Biden’s “equitable clean energy agenda” which the spokesperson laughably claims will lower energy costs for Americans “and enhance our nation’s security.”
Just for that, Granholm’s office should face charges of felony stupidity.
Executive director Kendra Arnold from the Foundation for Accountability & Civic Trust said in a statement that the group is “satisfied” that the case was investigated thoroughly and the OSC determined Granholm violated the Hatch Act.
