Social Security Email Praises Trump Days Before Midterms, Risking 87-Year-Old Hatch Act Breach
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Nov 1
Social Security Email Praises Trump Days Before Midterms, Risking 87-Year-Old Hatch Act Breach
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 1
Summary
Friday and Saturday emails from the Social Security Administration told online account holders that under President Donald J. Trump, the agency was becoming a “model of excellence” days before the midterm elections.
Several legal experts said the praise and timing could violate the 87-year-old Hatch Act, which bars executive-branch employees from using their positions to influence partisan elections.
Kathleen Clark said the message looked like propaganda rather than a public-service notice, while Richard Painter said it appeared designed to persuade voters that Trump was doing a good job.
The email also echoed a Trump administration television ad campaign this fall that promoted his presidency and drew similar Hatch Act concerns; the agency did not immediately comment.