Feds Blame Democrats: Hatch Act Lawsuits Brew | JQJO

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.