Ethics experts say some cabinet officials are breaking the Hatch Act

“MAY”??? “LAX”??? They ARE breaking the law. Because they don’t care about the law.  www.nytimes.com/2026/10/28/u...

"Ethics experts say some are breaking the law".... hmmm. The NYT headline writer didn't listen to those "ethics experts." For starters, the Hatch Act isn't a set of ethics recommendations. And it's very clear.

This year 9/15 cabinet secretaries & other senior Trump deputies have been formally accused of Hatch Act violations, (using official gov't titles while engaged in campaign activities & using taxpayer $$s to pay for political ads). Illegal but unsurprising. #ProudBlue www.nytimes.com/2026/10/28/u...

Lead NYT story: Todd Blanche, you are actually breaking the law in the campaign Cabinet Officials on the Campaign Trail? Ethics Experts Say Some Are Breaking the Law. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/28/u...

Cabinet Officials on the Campaign Trail? Ethics Experts Say Some Are Breaking the Law. As Trump officials stump for Republican candidates facing difficult races, ethics experts say they are being lax about complying with the Hatch Act, a federal anti-corruption law.

@nytimes.com 36-yr fed (judiciary) employee here. Complying with the Hatch Act isn't something about which one can be "lax." That's not a thing. They're vi - o - la - ting the law. To report on this accurately and in a way which conveys the most information to your readers, just say that.

“What we’re seeing is a glaring need for Hatch Act reform. It is completely inadequate for the task...which is erecting the guardrails for a president who is trying to use the govt resources & official acts as part of a partisan campaign.” —Abigail Bellows, Common Cause 🎁 t2m.co/OTsW6m0

Not one expert — and NYT quoted at least 5-6 — said Trump & his admin officials “are being lax about complying with the Hatch Act, a federal anti-corruption law.” All the experts said that the administration is breaking the law. So why the misleading headline and lede?

The Hatch Act is a federal anti-corruption law. I believe it is required reading by EVERY government employee, from POTUS to local animal control officer. Most even have to take a test to prove they know it.

I am ready to cancel my NYT subscription. I am tired of paying for reporting that supports a corrupt administration. The Hatch Act is a very clear federal statute. There is no “being lax” about it. Don’t tiptoe around the fact that members of the Trump regime have blantantly violated it.

For them to even reference The Hatch Act is an insult to those of us who were paying attention during the first criminal administration. The Hatch Act is impotent under Republicans. It should be revoked and a much stronger law passed.

The penalties for violating the Hatch Act can include removal from federal service, suspension, reprimand, or a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000. Free article. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/28/u...

In the words ofnWinnie Yhe Poph's friend, Tigger, "Breaking the law is what Trumpers do best!"

You know what get every election year? Email reminders about the Hatch Act. SOME of us are still expected to follow the rules.

Under Trump, The Hatch Act is a JOKE!!! In the Chosen One’s 2 terms, the Office of Special Counsel has investigated >100 violations, recommending fines, discipline & even firing; yet because POTUS gets the final decision, no one has faced any consequences! > www.nytimes.com/2026/10/28/u...