By being introduced as the "Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development" Tuesday night in Phoenix, Ben Carson likely violated federal law, The Washington Post reported.
Because President Donald Trump's event was technically a rally for his 2020 re-election bid, Carson was in violation of the Hatch Act for using his position in support of a political cause.
Carson could be there, but as Ben Carson, not the director of HUD.
"He should have told them in advance that they cannot use his title," Larry Noble, senior director of the Campaign Legal Center, told the Post. "Once hearing the introduction, he should have made clear he was speaking in his personal capacity and not as secretary."
Though the infraction could lead to Carson's removal as HUD head, nothing is likely to come of it.
Last year, the Office of Special Counsel deferred to President Barack Obama on punishment for then HUD Director Julian Castro, who endorsed Hillary Clinton in HUD offices, the Post reported.
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