Trump Violating The Hatch Act? President Mulls Decision To Host Election Night Party At White House

President Trump may be in violation of the Hatch Act if he hosts an Election Night party at the White House. The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from engaging in most political activity inside federal buildings or while on duty.

Trump announced Friday that he was considering the White House.

“We haven’t made a determination. We have certain rules and regulations, you know, Washington, DC, is shut down,” he told reporters.

Though the president and vice president are technically exempt from the civil provisions of the Hatch Act, it's heavily frowned upon to use political establishments for personal gain.

Trump notably accepted the Republican party's nomination on the White House lawn.

During the RNC, Walter Shaub, the former head of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, tweeted: "The Hatch Act was the wall standing between the government's might and candidates. Tonight a candidate tore down that wall and wielded power for his own campaign."

The president once again may use the White House for his own political gain.

The New York Times reported earlier Friday that Trump had called off plans to stage a party at Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. The gathering had not been formally announced but was mentioned in a campaign fundraising email.

“We have a hotel. I don’t know if you’re allowed to use it or not, but I know the mayor has shut down Washington, D.C., and if that is the case we will probably stay here or pick another location,” Trump said Friday.

Washington, D.C., currently limits gatherings to 50 or fewer people. Trump previously hosted larger crowds at the White House, for official and campaign-related events.

Trump’s campaign has already sent out fundraising messages to supporters previewing a party on Tuesday evening.

Eric Trump, the president’s son, acknowledged earlier Friday morning that the campaign was considering changing plans to host the event at the White House rather than a local hotel.

"We're thinking about moving it, actually, over to the White House. We are looking at that right now. It's going to be a great night,” Eric Trump said.