Former Ethics Chief Calls Sarah Sanders Tweet About Getting Booted from Red Hen ‘Clear Violation’ of Ethics Rules
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders violated ethics rules when she tweeted out about being booted from a Virginia restaurant using her official account, according to a series of tweets admonishing Sanders sent by former director of the Office of Government Ethics Walter Shaub.
On Saturday, Sanders tweeted out this:
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
The tweet went viral, prompting Red Hen’s Yelp account to be flooded by reviews and The Washington Post to interview the restaurant’s owner.
Yet, according to Shaub, using Sanders’ official account broke government ethics rules.
“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),” Shaub wrote. “It’s the same as if an ATF agent pulled out his badge when a restaurant tried to throw him/her out.”
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
He added that she also broke the endorsements ban rule too because she “used her official govt account to condemn a private business for personal reasons.”
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
The owner of the restaurant that booted Sanders out has defended her actions, and made it clear that despite the backlash, she would do it again.
“Absolutely, yes, I would have done the same thing again,” the Red Hen owner told WaPo. “We just felt there are moments in time when people need to live their convictions. This appeared to be one.”
[image via screengrab]
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