1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

The Trump administration's move to reinterpret the Hatch Act and allow federal employees to openly show support for the president while on duty is deeply concerning. The Hatch Act exists to safeguard the nonpartisan nature of the civil service and prevent coercion or undue political influence. Permitting government workers to wear campaign paraphernalia like MAGA hats or display other partisan messaging compromises this essential principle. Federal agencies and offices must remain politically neutral spaces that serve all citizens equally, regardless of their political affiliations. Eroding the Hatch Act protections threatens to further polarize and politicize the professional workforce, undermining public trust. This revision alarmingly blurs the line between governing and campaigning in a way that privileges the incumbent president. I urge you to take action to uphold the integrity of the Hatch Act and its longstanding prohibitions. Allowing overt politicization of the federal workforce sets a dangerous precedent that damages nonpartisan governance and democratic norms. We must maintain clear barriers between political activity and public service to preserve faith in our institutions. The administration's reinterpretation of these vital safeguards must be firmly rejected.