Sarah Sanders Just Broke The Law And Doesn’t Care, Ex-WH Ethics Chief Explains:

On Friday night, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave from a restaurant after the staff felt uncomfortable serving her. In response, Sanders took to her government-issued Twitter account to complain about the incident, a move that could very well be against the law.

Sanders tweeted:

“Last night I was told by the owner of Red Hen in Lexington, VA to leave because I work for @POTUS and I politely left. Her actions say far more about her than about me. I always do my best to treat people, including those I disagree with, respectfully and will continue to do so”

Last night I was told by the owner of Red Hen in Lexington, VA to leave because I work for @POTUS and I politely left. Her actions say far more about her than about me. I always do my best to treat people, including those I disagree with, respectfully and will continue to do so

— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) June 23, 2018

Just hours after Sanders tweeted her complaint, former White House ethics chief Walter Shaub pointed out that the press secretary violated federal law.

Sarah, I know you don’t care even a tiny little bit about the ethics rules, but using your official account for this is a clear violation of 5 CFR 2635.702(a). It’s the same as if an ATF agent pulled out his badge when a restaurant tried to throw him/her out. https://t.co/Fj6OfBAdew

— Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) June 23, 2018

Sanders used her official govt account to condemn a private business for personal reasons. Seeks to coerce business by using her office to get public to pressure it. Violates endorsements ban too, which has an obvious corollary for discouraging patronage. Misuse reg covers both.

— Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) June 23, 2018

Opening sentences of 5 CFR 2635.702 cover both; 702(a) gives example of coercion; 702(c) gives example of endorsement. Also 2635.101(b)(8) bars preferential treatment, with obvious corollary for singling out. She can lob attacks on her own time but not using her official position

— Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) June 23, 2018

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