Exclusive: The White House has addressed multiple allegations suggesting that President Donald Trump is in violation of federal law by criticizing Senate Democrats for a government shutdown in official emails and letters targeting federal employees.
Reports suggest that using partisan language in official communications may breach anti-lobbying regulations intended to prevent federal funds from being used for political lobbying. “The Trump administration is dedicated to informing the American public, and the reality is that Democrats are responsible for the government shutdown,” stated White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson. She continued, “They are now opposing the clean continuing resolution they backed just six months ago, and asking for free healthcare for undocumented immigrants—something they’ve attempted multiple times under the Biden administration.”
Jackson went on to say that Democrats are upset about the administration’s attempts to communicate the truth because they recognize that their actions are negatively impacting families nationwide. “Unfortunately, Democrats are simply lying to the American people. Facts are undeniable,” she added.
The Justice Department has indicated that its website is not being regularly updated as they navigate the implications of the government shutdown. Internal memos from the DOJ reveal plans for laying off federal employees necessitated by the shutdown, which the organization attributes to Congressional Democrats.
Jackson noted the ongoing health of various departmental activities will be suspended as funds expire, and some employees will be subject to specific laws and regulations as a result. When users visit the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website, they’re confronted with a pop-up message holding Congressional Democrats accountable for the government shutdown.
Concerns have been raised that the administration’s messaging might infringe on the Hatch Act, which prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars in politically biased ways. Andrew Cherkasky, a legal expert, emphasized that the Hatch Act applies to most federal employees but does not restrict the President and Vice President. “The core of the law is to prevent government officials from using their authority to impact elections,” he explained. “The President has the constitutional right to inform the public about government matters and accountability.”
Past administrations have also engaged in similar messaging around legislative matters. The federal government entered a partial shutdown due to a failed funding bill, with ongoing negotiations highlighting the Democrats’ push for additional healthcare subsidies. The political dynamics surrounding the shutdown appear to further complicate bipartisan negotiations, and the urgency for resolution remains significant.
