United States Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, Marcia Fudge, has been criticized for potentially violating a law that prohibits White House officials from engaging in campaign-related activities.
The former Democratic deputy from Ohio answered a question in the White House briefing room this week about who can sit in the chair of Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who will not seek re-election in 2022, as reported by Washington Post. She also defended Democrats in the race.
“Well, I have two friends who are thinking about it,” said Fudge. “Tim Ryan, of course, is thinking about it, understands it and is really thinking about it. I mean, I think we’re going to put a good person in that race, no matter who we choose. But the two are friends. I think we have a good chance. I know that some people have ruled out Ohio. I didn’t miss Ohio. I believe we can win the race for the Senate. “
The law in question is the Hatch Act, which prevents federal officials from using their official authority to influence or interfere in an election.
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Fudge refused to answer a question about the special election to fill his vacant seat.
An official in the Special Council Office explained to The Post on condition of anonymity what would be prohibited by law.
“If there is a government official speaking in the White House meeting room and he is there in his official capacity, he will be prohibited from engaging in political activities while speaking,” the official told the publication.
Fudge acknowledged in a statement that she should have followed her “first instinct”, which was not to answer the question.
“When I was discussing obtaining relief for the American people and the American rescue plan in the boardroom on Thursday, I answered a question from a reporter related to Ohio policy,” Fudge said in a statement on Friday. night. “I recognize that I should have kept my first instinct and not answered the question. I take these things seriously and I want to assure the American people that I am focused on meeting the needs of our country.”
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Penalties for violations include removal from federal service, note reduction, suspension, reprimand and a civil penalty of up to $ 1,000.
Fudge is the first black woman to head the HUD in decades. She represented Ohio in the 2008 House until she vacated her seat for her management position.
She took an oath last week and attended a news conference with press secretary Jen Psaki on Thursday to discuss the American Rescue Plan.
As previously reported by Fox News, the Special Council Office recommended that President Donald Trump fire White House adviser Kellyanne Conway for violating the Hatch Act on “several occasions”. Conway was not fired.