Public records or official announcements from the Office of the Special Counsel

OSC Announces Stricter Hatch Act Enforcement for White House Employees Starting Today

May 20, 2024, 08:51 PM

The Office of the Special Counsel (OSC) announced that it will enforce stricter guidelines on the Hatch Act, which aims to prevent federal employees from engaging in political activities while performing their official duties. Starting today, this move includes closing existing loopholes that previously allowed White House employees to evade consequences for such behavior. The OSC's decision, supported by the head of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, comes amid calls to strengthen the Hatch Act's provisions and ensure that government officials adhere to ethical standards. The new guidelines are expected to significantly impact the conduct of federal employees, particularly those in the White House.