Summary
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) displayed a message on its website blaming the Democratic party for the government shutdown. This message has raised questions about whether it violates the Hatch Act, which requires federal communications to remain non-partisan. HUD Secretary Scott Turner defended the message, stating it was meant to inform the public.
Key Facts
- The message on HUD’s website said the “Radical Left in Congress shut down the government.”
- Criticism arose concerning potential violations of the Hatch Act, which limits political activities of federal employees.
- Scott Turner, the HUD Secretary, defended the message as informational, not propaganda.
- Other government websites, like the Department of Justice and the Department of Agriculture, also displayed similar messages.
- An ethics complaint has been filed against Turner concerning the potential Hatch Act violation.
- The government shutdown began at midnight on a Wednesday.
- Political debates continue in Congress regarding how long the shutdown might last.
