McLaurine Pinover, the principal spokesperson for the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), is receiving backlash for filming and distributing fashion influencer videos during work hours. As her agency managed widespread layoffs, Pinover shared Instagram clips showcasing her work attire, some of which featured affiliate links for purchasing clothing.

Her Instagram profile has now been deleted in response to public backlash.

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Who is McLaurine Pinover, and Why is She Receiving Backlash?

Pinover has held the position of communications director at OPM since January. In her capacity, she has openly supported the Trump administration’s moves to dismiss probationary workers and provide buyouts to many other employees.

Prior to her time at OPM, she was employed at the Herald Group, a communications and advocacy agency, and had previously acted as a spokesperson for Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

She recently defended OPM’s directive that required federal employees to enumerate five essential tasks they had accomplished weekly, labeling it “a commitment to an efficient and accountable federal workforce. ”

Fashion Videos in Government Office Ignite Debate

Pinover uploaded various fashion-themed videos on Instagram while on the job. CNN reported that several clips were shot within her office, situated close to an annex utilized by staff involved with the “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge), which is executing budget reductions under Elon Musk’s management.

One of her clips, which showcased a $475 skirt, was posted on the same day that 20 OPM employees were terminated as part of Doge’s layoffs. Another video was uploaded on February 28, coinciding with a follow-up email sent to employees requesting a summary of their workplace achievements.

While it remains uncertain if she benefited financially from her posts, critics contend that utilizing a federal office for personal influencer content is both inappropriate and potentially illegal.

Legal and Ethical Issues Related to Pinover’s Videos

Ethics professionals and former government officials have expressed worry regarding the legality of Pinover’s conduct.

Donald Sherman, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, remarked, “It’s illegal for a public employee to promote a private company in their government office. ”

Jack Miller, who formerly occupied Pinover’s role during the Biden administration, also condemned her actions. “Your primary responsibility as a leader is to protect and support your people,” he stated. “So instead of fighting tooth and nail to keep your team, we’re sharing fashion videos. It’s ludicrous. ”

Federal regulations prohibit government employees from utilizing public resources for personal benefit, except for minimal personal use. Experts speculate that Pinover’s videos breach these regulations.

Pinover Addresses Allegations

In light of the controversy, Pinover refuted claims of monetizing her videos and elaborated on her reasons for the posts.

“While I was confronting breast cancer as a new mom, I felt so disconnected from myself. I turned to social media shortly afterward as a personal escape,” she told The New York Times.
“I have not earned any income, and with merely around 800 followers, I’m astonished that the alleged ‘newspaper of record’ considers this relevant news. My attention continues to be on assisting the American public at O. P. M. ”

After facing media attention, she deleted her Instagram account and seemed to have also taken down her LinkedIn profile.