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NYT: Cabinet officials campaigning may violate the Hatch Act, experts say

newsOct 28, 202617492

The New York Times on October 28, 2026 published a piece headlined "Cabinet Officials on the Campaign Trail? Ethics Experts Say Some Are Breaking the Law" documenting Trump administration cabinet members stumping for Republican candidates in tight races and saying ethics experts view those appearances as lax compliance with the Hatch Act. The article and accompanying commentary note specific examples cited by critics, including a cabinet secretary appearing at a campaign rally and officials using their government titles while engaged in campaign activities. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has demanded accountability, and Abigail Bellows of Common Cause called the Hatch Act "completely inadequate" and urged reform. Posts accompanying the coverage allege the State Department tied promotions to political support and assert that multiple senior deputies have been formally accused of Hatch Act violations this year. The reporting has prompted calls for federal watchdog investigations into campaign activity by Cabinet officials and for clearer enforcement or changes to the Hatch Act.

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