CNN reported that McLaurine Pinover, then communications director at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), posted fashion videos filmed in her government office and linked viewers to clothing that could earn her commissions. CNN said it was unclear whether she made any money. Watchdog criticism raised questions about the use of public resources, but the reporting does not establish a rule violation or an official finding.
What CNN reported about McLaurine Pinover’s fashion videos
In a March 12, 2025 report, CNN identified Pinover as OPM’s communications director and said she had posted at least a dozen videos modeling outfits in her office at the agency’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. CNN reported that her account had about 800 followers and linked to a site where clothing purchases could generate commissions. CNN’s report and transcript described a $475 skirt and a $300 dress among the linked items; those prices do not identify a brand or prove that anyone bought the items.
The timing drew attention because OPM was involved in federal workforce actions, including layoffs and requests for employees to report work accomplishments. The reporting places the videos in that wider context; it does not establish that Pinover filmed them during paid work time.
Could the affiliate links have generated income?
Yes, affiliate links can be set up to pay a commission when someone makes a qualifying purchase. CNN said Pinover’s links could earn commissions, but explicitly reported that it was unclear whether she received any money. The possibility of income is not evidence that a commission was earned, and the cited reporting does not quantify any earnings.
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The Verge reported on March 12, 2025, that Pinover’s Instagram account had been deleted after CNN reporters contacted her. Its coverage also summarized watchdog concerns about the use of government resources for a private business. The Verge’s follow-up does not establish her motives, income, or a formal ethics determination.
What the ethics concerns do—and do not—show
Donald Sherman, chief counsel for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, questioned whether promoting a personal brand might have appeared in an OPM work-accomplishments report. CNN quoted him saying: “I would be very curious if she included her efforts to promote her brand as part of the five things that she accomplished that week.” That is a watchdog representative’s criticism, not an official conclusion about Pinover’s conduct.
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OPM’s social media policy says the agency will comply with applicable federal laws, rules, and regulations and directs personnel to ethics standards and personal-use guidance. The policy provides general agency context; it is not a finding about this case. The cited reporting and policy do not show that OPM or an ethics authority issued a final determination about Pinover.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What remains unconfirmed
- Whether Pinover earned affiliate commissions from the links.
- Whether she filmed the videos during paid work time.
- Whether any ethics rule or agency policy was violated.
- Whether an agency or ethics authority later made a formal finding.
The figures and item prices above are those reported by CNN, not independently audited measurements. The account’s reported deletion also means the cited coverage does not offer a current view of its posts.
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