Unauthorized out-of-office emails blaming Democrats for shutdown sent by federal workers without consent
Federal Employees’ Emails Altered to Blame Democrats for Shutdown
Controversy Erupts Over Furloughed Employees’ Email Messages
Federal workers from the Department of Education were shocked to find their out-of-office email messages altered without their consent, casting blame on Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown. Four sources, speaking anonymously to Emegypt, described the situation as unsettling and possibly damaging to their reputations.
Implications of Partisan Messages on Government Platforms
These automatic messages coincide with reports from other federal agencies where employees were prompted to include partisan content in their email notices. A spokeswoman for the Department of Education noted that the altered emails inform recipients that “Senate Democrats are refusing to vote for a clean CR and fund the government.” This narrative mirrors statements across several agency web pages.
Possible Legal Repercussions Under the Hatch Act
The forced messaging raises legal questions, particularly in light of the Hatch Act, aimed at keeping federal employee activities nonpartisan. Richard Painter, former White House ethics lawyer, suggested potential violations of multiple laws, including those against using taxpayer money for political lobbying and government coercion of political activities.
Department of Education Employees Push Back
Some Department of Education workers expressed discomfort over their emails being changed without permission. Despite attempts to revert their messages to generic shutdown notifications, the partisan wording persisted. Though unclear who was behind these changes, the updated messages blamed Democrat Senators for funding lapses, affecting some but not all employees.
Agency-Wide Adoption of Political Messaging
The issue extends to other departments, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, where employees were directed to reflect the shutdown as Democrat-led in their out-of-office messages. The Trump Administration’s broader strategy includes government websites adopting similar partisan language.
Nonprofit Advocates Take Action
In response to the politically charged messages, consumer advocacy group Public Citizen has filed complaints against the Small Business Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The complaints allege a breach of the Hatch Act by incorporating partisan language in government communications.
