Two government watchdog organizations have filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, alleging that three Trump administration officials violated the Hatch Act by participating in a campaign event in Alaska earlier this month. The Democracy Defense Fund and Reporters Without Borders jointly submitted the complaint, which targets Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The complaint stems from a rally held for Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), where the three officials spoke. The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activities while on duty or on federal property. The groups argue that the officials' appearances and remarks crossed that line.
According to the complaint, although Carr claimed he was speaking in a personal capacity, his comments focused heavily on the FCC's past and upcoming work. The complaint also notes that neither Burgum nor Lutnick made any statement indicating they were speaking personally. President Trump introduced both by their official titles, and the officials did not correct that impression, leading the groups to conclude they were using their positions for political gain.
The complaint highlights a specific policy matter: the FCC has an upcoming vote on an Alaskan broadband deal. The day after the rally, Carr posted on social media, saying he looked forward to working with Sen. Sullivan to get the job done. The complaint argues that by referencing their official duties, these agency heads were leveraging their government roles to support political activity.
At the rally, Trump announced a $4.4 billion investment from Taiwan in an Alaskan pipeline project, crediting Sullivan for helping make it happen. The complaint suggests that the officials' participation in the event was part of a broader political effort tied to that announcement.
Clayton Wimers, executive director of Reporters Without Borders North America, issued a sharp rebuke, saying Carr had “annihilated any sense of independence the FCC once had.” The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has confirmed receipt of the complaint but declined to comment further.
Penalties for Hatch Act violations can include removal from federal service, debarment from federal employment for up to five years, suspension, reprimand, or a civil penalty of up to $1,000. The FCC, Department of Interior, and Commerce Department did not respond to requests for comment.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has faced Hatch Act scrutiny. In a related case, a watchdog recently alleged a Hatch Act breach in connection with a search of Rep. Ilhan Omar's home. The pattern has raised concerns about the administration's respect for civil service rules.
The complaint adds to a growing list of ethics controversies surrounding the administration, including debates over Pentagon nominations and soaring national debt that have dominated Washington headlines.
