Cheapening public service

In the Trump era — also known as the era of diminishing standards — few controversies rise above the din. But when a White House official repeatedly abuses her public office for political or commercial purposes the matter shouldn’t just fade away. Kellyanne Conway will never be punished by this White House for her legal missteps, but she shouldn’t get a pass from the public.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (not to be confused with Robert Mueller) this week concluded that Conway had violated the Hatch Act — twice — when she appeared on Fox News last fall to effectively campaign against the Democrat in Alabama’s special Senate election. The law prohibits federal employees from using their official authority or influence to affect the outcome of an election.

Now, this represents strikes two and three for Conway, who was previously singled out for using her office to shill for Ivanka Trump’s clothing line. (“Go buy Ivanka’s stuff,” she said on Fox News in 2017. “I’m going to give a free commercial here.”)

After the Ivanka controversy the White House at least pretended to acknowledge error, and said the president’s senior adviser had been “counseled” on the conflict of interest law that forbids using the White House to sell stilettos.

This time? Well, the emboldened White House isn’t even pretending anymore. A Trump spokesman insisted Conway did nothing wrong by wading into the Alabama election in her official capacity. And with that one more brick in the wall upholding the ethics and standards of public service comes crumbling down.

Conway can not claim ignorance as an excuse. She has been counseled on the relevant laws. She holds a law degree, for heaven’s sake.

But why would she bother making excuses anyway? The president himself has blurred the distinction between his personal, family and business interests and the public interest. She’s just taking her cues from the top.