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Legal challenges are emerging against the Trump administration over partisan language blaming Democrats for the government shutdown on federal websites and emails. A complaint, filed by a former state legislator, argues this violates the Hatch Act's prohibition on executive branch employees engaging in partisan activities. A federal workers union has also filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education over similar automated messages. Retired officials express concern that such partisan messaging chills the work of civil servants.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.