By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During the government shutdown, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced criticism for distributing a taxpayer-funded video blaming Democrats, which some airports declined to air. Public Citizen filed a Hatch Act complaint, alleging the video and other government communications violated ethics laws prohibiting the use of government resources for partisan purposes. Ethics experts believe the administration’s actions demonstrate a disregard for ethical norms, and note that enforcement is difficult as agencies are dominated by Trump loyalists. While the administration claims it is simply sharing the truth, experts believe the administration’s disregard for ethical norms has resulted in personal profit and constitutional issues.
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Federal Websites Are Plastered With MAGA Propaganda. Is It Legal? | The Trump administration using taxpayer money to blame Democrats for the shutdown, is a blatant issue.
The situation is pretty clear: it’s not legal. The consensus, based on the input, overwhelmingly points to a violation of the Hatch Act, which generally prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activity while on the job or using government resources for political purposes. There’s no debate. The evidence and consensus is clear. The act is being violated. Using taxpayer money to push a political agenda, especially in the context of a government shutdown where blame is being assigned, is textbook example of illegal behavior.
The core of the problem, as voiced, seems to lie not just in the illegality but in the perceived lack of consequences. The question “who is going to stop them?” appears multiple times, highlighting a deep sense of frustration. It underscores the belief that the administration operates with a certain impunity, knowing that challenges and legal battles take time and resources, and the system is designed to favor those in power.
The commentary points to the political environment, where laws are being ignored or reinterpreted to suit the needs of the moment. There’s a sense that the administration is testing the boundaries of what is acceptable and pushing the limits of legality. This can lead to a erosion of trust in institutions and the legal system itself. This all reinforces the feeling that, even if illegal, these actions will go unpunished.
The argument that this is being done to “pacify MAGA” or keep them “in the MAGA bubble” touches on the strategic implications. It suggests that the propaganda is aimed at maintaining and solidifying the support base, rather than genuinely informing the public. This view is echoed in the use of the term “loser piece of shit” which is a common sentiment in the context.
The comments also reflect a profound sense of exhaustion and disillusionment. Many people are tired of “titles and articles dressing up trumps blatantly illegal and unconstitutional activities as a maybe or a we don’t know.” The very asking of the question “is it legal?” feels absurd, given the apparent blatant nature of the violation. And many feel that if the government can not punish something, it may as well be legal.
Another point that has been clearly made is that the Democrats should take action against the Republican party, but the common consensus is that the Democrats will fail, and instead go the route of “stupid fucking high road”. These are the feelings that are being expressed at the moment.
The reference to the USDA website, and the specific claims made there, is especially damning. It provides a real-world example of how these anti-Democrat talking points are being disseminated, with specific policy criticisms that are being levied. This specific example adds concrete evidence to the claims of the propaganda.
Finally, the discussion delves into the long-term consequences. The comments touch on the importance of an independent judiciary and the potential for a Supreme Court that might not be impartial. This all points to a wider concern that the current situation represents a fundamental challenge to the rule of law. And of course, the general sentiment is that Trump will get away with this.