'Somewhat evasive': Karine Jean-Pierre accused of hiding behind obscure law to avoid tough questions

"As you know, I’m covered by the Hatch Act" is a phrase many in the White House Briefing Room are used to hearing from White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. In fact, Jean-Pierre has invoked the Hatch Act on 33 occasions at the podium since September.

The Hatch Act, a New Deal-era federal law, prohibits government employees from engaging in political activities or promoting a political campaign — the president and vice president are notably exempted.

Some White House reporters have expressed frustration with the press secretary's frequent use of the...