Investigating claims HUD website's 'radical left' pop-ups violated Hatch Act

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

In late September 2025, as a U.S. government shutdown loomed, a claim circulated online that a pop-up on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's website reading, "The radical left are going to shut down the government" was a violation of the Hatch Act. That act limits certain political activities of federal employees.

After the government shutdown started, HUD replaced its original pop-up with the text, "The Radical Left in Congress shut down the government. HUD will use available resources to help Americans in need."

Expert opinions differed on whether HUD pop-ups violated the Hatch Act. It was unclear at the time of this writing whether the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, which enforces the act, would investigate the pop-ups. The OSC previously issued guidance on "official agency communications" that said communications could violate the act if they contained "advocacy in support of, or opposition to, the electoral prospects of a political party."

U.S. and international media reported that other government departments also used language blaming the Democratic Party for the government shutdown in internal communications and public auto replies. The White House press office's auto reply email on Oct. 1, 2025, blamed staff shortages and longer reply times on "the Democrat Shutdown."

https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/10/01/hud-hatch-act-website-message/

[Silent Type]

1. Does anyone get sanctioned for violating Hatch Act? It is alleged often, but don't remember any convictions/punishment.

[doc03]

2. I got an e-mail today from the VA blaming

the Democrats for shutting down the government.

[doc03]

3. The National Parks site also says the radical

left is responsible for parks closings.