In the days surrounding the 2025 government shutdown, Americans visiting several official federal websites, including those of the Department of Agriculture, Justice, Treasury, State, and Housing and Urban Development, were greeted with to a stunning statement similar to:
Let’s be clear: this is not normal. It’s not legal. And it’s not how a nonpartisan government is supposed to function.
This kind of language, attacking one political party while praising a sitting president by name, represents a direct assault on the Hatch Act. This cornerstone law keeps the civil service free from partisan political manipulation.
What the Hatch Act Is and Why It Exists
Enacted in 1939, the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 7321–7326) protects the integrity of the federal workforce. It ensures that taxpayer-funded offices and employees are never turned into campaign arms for any political party or candidate.
The law prohibits:
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Using official authority or influence to affect an election (5 U.S.C. § 7323(a)(1));
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Engaging in political activity while on duty, in a federal building, or using government property (5 U.S.C. § 7324(a));
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Soliciting or receiving campaign donations; and
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Running for partisan political office.
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), an independent agency, enforces these provisions, investigating complaints and, when warranted, pursuing penalties through the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).
In plain English: federal websites, logos, and offices belong to the American people, not to any political party.
Why These Shutdown Posts Cross the Line
When multiple federal departments display identical language blaming “Radical Left Democrats” and crediting “President Trump,” it’s not an accident. It’s coordination.
And it’s textbook partisan messaging, the very thing the Hatch Act forbids.
Here’s why it matters:
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They used official federal resources for partisan advocacy.
Government websites are paid for by taxpayers, not political campaigns. -
They misused the authority of public institutions.
A federal agency cannot use its official platform to praise or promote a political leader — especially in the middle of a funding dispute driven by that same leader. -
They undermined the trust in our civil servants' impartiality.
Every federal website is supposed to speak with one voice: the voice of service to the American public, not of any political movement or personality.
As ethics experts have warned, this behavior isn’t just improper, it’s likely unlawful under the Hatch Act and OSC’s own guidance on official communications and social media.
Why This Should Matter to Every Citizen
The moment government resources are weaponized for partisan propaganda, democracy itself takes a hit.
Our public institutions depend on credibility, neutrality, and trust.
If agencies can attack political opponents on official channels today, what stops them from silencing dissenting citizens tomorrow?
This isn’t about which party you support; it’s about preserving a government that works for all Americans, not just the ones in power.
What You Can Do Right Now
1. File a Hatch Act Complaint
Every citizen has the right to report potential violations to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), the federal watchdog empowered to investigate and enforce the Hatch Act.
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Mail:
U.S. Office of Special Counsel
1730 M Street NW, Suite 218
Washington, D.C. 20036-4505
Provide screenshots, URLs, and the exact language you observed. The OSC can investigate and, if warranted, bring enforcement actions before the MSPB.
2. Contact the Agencies’ Inspectors General
You can also alert the Inspectors General at USDA, DOJ, Treasury, State, and HUD. While IGs don’t enforce the Hatch Act, they can investigate internal misuse of agency resources and preserve evidence.
3. Tell Your Representatives
Demand congressional oversight. The House Oversight Committee and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee have jurisdiction to investigate violations and call witnesses under oath. Contact information for both Senators and Representatives is here.
4. Spread the Word
Share the facts. Write letters, forward this blog, post responsibly on social media, and talk to friends and neighbors. When citizens shine light on misconduct, accountability follows.
Final Thoughts
The Hatch Act isn’t a technicality; it’s a firewall protecting the line between public service and political power.
When an administration turns federal websites into campaign billboards, it’s not just bending the rules, it’s breaking faith with every American who expects their government to serve, not spin.
Now it’s up to us, the citizens, to defend the law that keeps government honest.
File complaints. Demand answers. Speak up.
Because the moment we stop expecting neutrality from our institutions, we lose it.
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