HUD Faces Hatch Act Scrutiny Over ‘Radical Left’ Website Banner Amid Shutdown Talks

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has ignited a political firestorm and potential legal challenge after its official website prominently displayed a partisan message blaming the ‘Radical Left’ for an impending government shutdown. The message, which appeared in a blazing red banner and a pop-up window on Tuesday, has immediately raised questions about a possible violation of the Hatch Act.

The HUD.gov website stated, “The Radical Left are going to shut down the government and inflict massive pain on the American people unless they get their $1.5 trillion wish list of demands. The Trump administration wants to keep the government open for the American people.” HUD Secretary Scott Turner echoed this sentiment on his official X account, confirming the website update.

Legal experts are swift to weigh in, with Kevin Owen of Gilbert Employment Law calling the website’s message “likely to be a Hatch Act violation.” The Hatch Act, an 86-year-old federal law, restricts political activity by federal employees. Owen emphasized that using an official agency website for such partisan messaging makes it more probable that individuals acted in an official capacity, not personal political speech.

The controversy unfolds as the White House and congressional Democrats remain at loggerheads over a critical government funding deadline. House and Senate Democratic leadership are demanding an extension of healthcare subsidies, while the White House and Republican leaders are pushing for a ‘clean’ seven-week continuing resolution.

A HUD spokesman, Matthew Maley, defended the agency, stating, “The Far Left is barreling our country toward a shut down, which will hurt all Americans.” An unnamed HUD official further argued that the message was “carefully worded so as not to name a specific party or politician, but rather an ideology.”

The Office of Special Counsel (OSC), responsible for investigating Hatch Act violations, has declined to comment. However, if an investigation ensues, experts like Owen predict that identifying who authorized the website update will be a key factor in determining accountability.

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