The Obama Administration will not punish Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro for violating federal election law when he discussed soon-to-be Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during an April interview.
Earlier this week, a report from the U.S. Office of Special Counsel found that Castro violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from using their official position to influence an election, because the OSC determined that Castro was operating as HUD Secretary during an interview with Yahoo News and therefore prohibited from discussing politics.
But, according to a report from The Hill, the White House will not discipline Castro for the Hatch Act violation.
The Hill report states that Castro apologized for the issue, and the OSC report stated that Castro “expressed regret” over the situation and said it was not his intention to violate the Hatch Act.
Therefore, Castro won’t be punished, the Hill reports, citing White House press secretary Josh Earnest.
From The Hill:
“I think, to his credit, Secretary Castro acknowledged the mistake that he made,” said White House press secretary Josh Earnest.
“He owned up to it, and he's taken the necessary steps to prevent it from happening again,” Earnest told reporters.
“I think that's the expectation that people have when you make a mistake, particularly in a situation like this.”
