Several federal agencies broke with longstanding norms on Tuesday by issuing politically charged statements that blamed Democrats for the impending government shutdown. The Department of Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Small Business Administration each used partisan language—such as “Radical Left” and “Democrat-imposed”—to frame the budget impasse.
While such rhetoric is common from President Trump, federal agencies have historically avoided overt political messaging. Legal experts say the statements may violate the Hatch Act, which prohibits the use of public resources for partisan purposes.
HUD’s website featured a pop-up and banner accusing Democrats of pushing a $1.5 trillion “wish list.” At the same time, VA spokesperson Peter Kasperowicz claimed “radical liberals” were trying to shut down the government to advance policies on immigration and gender identity. EPA and other agencies echoed similar language in internal communications and press outreach.
Kevin L. Owen, a lawyer specializing in federal employment law, said the language appears to cross legal boundaries. A HUD official, speaking anonymously, argued the phrasing was ideological rather than partisan—a distinction Owen dismissed as “coded.”
Union leaders condemned the messaging. “Employees are furious, and so is the union,” said Ashaki Robinson, president of the HUD workers’ union. “Federal employees should not have to sit by and watch these blatant violations of the laws of the land.”
Congress remains deadlocked over a $1 trillion Democratic proposal to reverse cuts to Medicaid and health care funding. The shutdown deadline looms as agencies brace for disruption—and scrutiny.