x
Breaking News
More () »

Trump says he's not firing Kellyanne Conway; implies freedom of speech

A federal watchdog said the White House adviser broke the law by disparaging Democratic presidential candidates while in her official, federal role.
Credit: AP
Kellyanne Conway, senior adviser to President Donald Trump, speaks during an interview outside the White House, Wednesday, May 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says he won't fire White House counselor Kellyanne Conway after a federal watchdog agency recommended her removal for repeatedly violating a law that limits political activity by government workers.

Trump tells Fox & Friends that he was briefed on the Office of Special Counsel investigation Thursday and says "it looks to me like they're trying to take away her right of free speech and that's just not fair."

OSC, which is unrelated to special counsel Robert Mueller's office, said in a letter to Trump that Conway has been a "repeat offender" of the Hatch Act by disparaging Democratic presidential candidates while speaking in her official capacity during television interviews and on social media.

Trump says of Conway, "she's got to have a right of responding to questions."

RELATED: Fire White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, federal watchdog recommends

RELATED: Trump: 'Of course' I'd report foreign dirt to FBI after I look at it

Before You Leave, Check This Out