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A federal workers union is suing the Trump administration for inserting language into Department of Education employees’ out-of-office email messages blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.
“Forcing civil servants to speak on behalf of the political leadership’s partisan agenda is a blatant violation of federal employees’ First Amendment rights,” said the complaint which was filed by the American Federation of Government Employees in federal district court in Washington, D.C.,on Friday.
The lawsuit is the first to challenge the administration’s unusual use of partisan messaging in government communications during the shutdown, which legal experts told NPR may violate federal ethics laws.
The White House began pointing the finger at Democrats as the government shut down on Oct. 1 after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement to fund operations.Messages posted on agency websites and in emails to federal workers across multiple Cabinet departments blamed congressional Democrats and, in some cases, the “Radical Left” for the shutdown and its impacts. (Republicans control both chambers of Congress but need Democratic support in the Senate to approve any government funding deal.)
Many Department of Education employees who were furloughed due to the shutdown were surprised to see the following message inserted into their out-of-office replies: “Thank you for contacting me. On September 19, 2025, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5371, a clean continuing resolution. Unfortunately, Democrat Senators are blocking passage of H.R. 5371 in the Senate which has led to a lapse in appropriations. Due to the lapse in appropriations, I am currently in furlough status. I will respond to emails once government functions resume.”
Education Department Sued Over Automated Emails Blaming Democrats for Shutdown
The department of Education is facing a lawsuit alleging it forced employees to send out-of-office messages blaming Democratic senators for the recent government shutdown. Multiple employees told NPR the messages, written in the first person, appeared in their email without their knowledge or consent, replacing their original auto-replies.
The language used in the automated messages differed from model language provided to staff in readiness for the shutdown, according to the lawsuit. Some employees attempting to revert to their original messages found the changes were automatically undone.
The lawsuit argues this practice violates the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from compelling speech. it names the Department of Education and Secretary Linda McMahon as defendants, stating employees were “forced to involuntarily parrot the Trump Administration’s talking points.”
The complaint specifically states the department replaced employee out-of-office messages with partisan language blaming “Democrat Senators” for the shutdown.
When NPR requested comment on the lawsuit, the Education Department press team responded with the same automated out-of-office message. In a statement to NBC News, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications madi Biedermann defended the messages, stating, “The email reminds those who reach out to Department of education employees that we cannot respond as Senate Democrats are refusing to vote for a clean CR and fund the government. Where’s the lie?”
A recent newsletter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has drawn criticism from veterans and raised concerns about the potential for political influence within the agency. The newsletter, which highlighted President Biden’s accomplishments, prompted accusations of using the VA to promote the administration’s political agenda.
The VA newsletter focused on the impact of the PACT Act, the inflation Reduction act, and other Biden administration initiatives on veterans’ benefits and healthcare. Veterans expressed discomfort with the VA seemingly taking a partisan stance, arguing that the agency should remain politically neutral in its communications. Some felt the newsletter resembled a campaign advertisement rather than an informative update from a government service provider.
“It felt like a political campaign piece, not something I’d expect from the VA,” said one veteran to NPR.”my benefits shouldn’t be tied to which party is in power.”
VA Response
Pete Kasperowicz,VA press secretary,defended the newsletter,stating that the details presented was factual and aligned with reporting from various news outlets. “The newsletter simply reflects what the President has done for veterans, and reporters say the same thing,” Kasperowicz said in a statement to NPR.
PACT Act and Inflation Reduction act Impact
The PACT Act, signed into law in August 2022, expanded healthcare benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed later that year, included provisions to lower prescription drug costs for veterans and expand access to healthcare services. The VA newsletter highlighted these benefits, attributing them directly to the Biden administration’s policies.
Ancient Context and VA Political Neutrality
Maintaining political neutrality has long been a principle within the VA. Concerns about politicization have surfaced periodically throughout the agency’s history, frequently enough related to communications and outreach efforts. Experts emphasize the importance of the VA remaining non-partisan to maintain trust with veterans across the political spectrum.
key Takeaways
- A VA newsletter highlighting President Biden’s accomplishments sparked concerns about politicization.
- Veterans expressed discomfort with the VA appearing to take a partisan stance.
- The VA defended the newsletter, stating it accurately reflected the administration’s impact on veterans’ benefits.
- Maintaining political neutrality is crucial for the VA to maintain trust with veterans.
FAQ
Q: Is it appropriate for the VA to mention presidential initiatives?
A: It is generally acceptable for the VA to inform veterans about changes to benefits or healthcare access resulting from legislation. Though, the way this information is presented is critical. Framing it as solely the achievement of one administration can be perceived as political.
Q: what is the PACT Act?
A: The PACT Act is a landmark law that expands healthcare benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service, especially those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Q: What is the VA doing to address these concerns?
A: The VA has stated that the newsletter accurately reflects the administration’s actions. It remains to be seen if the agency will adjust its communication strategy in response to the criticism.
NPR’s Cory Turner contributed reporting.
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