Ethics Office Pushes For 'Disciplinary Action' Against Kellyanne Conway

The Office of Government Ethics has recommended that the White House investigate and potentially discipline Kellyanne Conway, the president's counselor, after she promoted Ivanka Trump's products during a TV interview, according to documents released Tuesday.

"I recommend that the White House investigate Ms. Conway's actions and consider taking disciplinary action against her," said Walter Shaub, director of the office in a letter to White House counsel. He also notes that, despite Press Secretary Sean Spicer's assurance that Conway had been "counseled" on the matter, the OGE received no notice of any disciplinary actions she has faced.

The OGE is an independent agency within the executive branch which manages the development and implementation of ethics policies in the administration.

Last Thursday, Conway drew criticism after announcing on "Fox and Friends," "Go buy Ivanka's stuff. ... I'm going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today everybody, you can find it online."

Federal regulations hold that, "Public service is in a public trust, requiring employees to place loyalty to the Constitution, the law and ethical principles above private gain," Shaub noted.

He also points out that, in the office's regulation, which details misuse of public office, the rules themselves actually list a hypothetical example of a presidential appointee promoting a product while appearing on TV.

"Ms. Conway's actions track that example almost exactly," he said.

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore