Watchdog says emails show Biden DOT officials used campaign slogans, may have violated the Hatch Act
- January 16, 2025
Steven Richards, Just the News
Internal Transportation Department memos show senior Biden administration officials may have violated the Hatch Act by using campaign slogans in official communications, an independent watchdog said in a complaint filed on Thursday.
The communications – which were obtained by independent watchdog Protect the Public’s Trust – came from three Biden DOT officials – assistant administrator for Communications Matt Lehner, press secretary Kerry Arndt and assistant to the Secretary and Director of Public Affairs Dani Simons.
The watchdog group detailed its concerns that the communications violated the Hatch Act in a letter delivered to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, the White House, and the Inspector General on Thursday.
In the emails, the officials used the phrases “Extreme MAGA Republicans” or “Finish the Job” in official messages to both department Secretary Pete Buttigieg and political appointees in the department in likely violation of the Hatch Act. The act, implemented in 1939, prevents federal employees from engaging in political activities, such as fundraising and campaigning, while on duty.
“The Office of Special Counsel’s direction to all federal government agencies not to use the term ‘MAGA’ in official communications could not have been clearer. But in the Biden administration, the Hatch Act appeared to be only a suggestion, not a law,” Michael Chamberlain, director of Protect the Public’s Trust, told Just the News in a statement.
“The White House seems to have ignored OSC’s mandate and advised the DOT (and perhaps many other agencies) to use that forbidden political language in a derogatory fashion in the run-up to the 2024 elections. Dutifully, DOT sent the standardized messaging to all of its political appointees. From both press secretaries to the chief of staff to numerous agency leaders and on down, contempt for the Hatch Act has permeated the federal government during the self-proclaimed most ethical administration in history,” Chamberlain said.