Ethics lawyers and liberal activists excoriated White House counselor Kellyanne Conway after she gave a “free commercial” for Ivanka Trump’s clothing line, an apparent violation of a federal rule that bars public officials from using their positions to promote private business interests. But enforcing that rule will be left up to the White House itself — or a federal agency that has traditionally shown little interest in launching investigations, legal specialists said. Conway’s unusual product endorsement from the White House briefing room came in response to reports that retailers, including Nordstrom Inc., have been dropping Ivanka Trump’s apparel due to lack of sales. The OGE or White House could issue a reprimand, suspension, demotion or removal from office, according to federal regulations. “Her remarks were political and rhetorical, and not a product endorsement.”RelatedThe White House press office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the federal ethics agency.

Source: National Post February 09, 2017 18:59 UTC