U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro is facing scrutiny for violating the Hatch Act during a January trip to the United Kingdom. The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) revealed that Del Toro improperly endorsed President Joe Biden’s re-election while on official duty, a clear breach of federal law that prohibits political activity by federal employees while performing their government duties.
The incident occurred during a speech at the Royal United Services Institute in London, where Del Toro praised Biden's leadership, stating that the U.S. and the world "need the mature leadership of President Biden."
Today I had the incredible opportunity to speak at @SalveRegina University as they hosted the 2024 Climate Change & National Security. By inspiring young minds and continuing to find ways to combat climate change, we can help build a better future for our next generation. pic.twitter.com/5MsViYbM4k
— Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro (@SECNAV) September 5, 2024
His remarks came in response to a question about concerns over U.S. foreign policy under a different administration, prompting him to express confidence that Americans would support Biden in the 2024 election. Del Toro later echoed similar sentiments in an interview with BBC News Sunday, reinforcing his belief that Biden deserved a second term.
Under the Hatch Act, federal employees are barred from engaging in political activity while on duty or using their official positions to influence an election. Del Toro's comments, made while representing the Department of Defense during a taxpayer-funded trip, crossed the line into political advocacy, according to Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger.
No surprise. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro broke the law by publicly endorsing the reelection of President Biden & criticizing former President Trump in several statements he made while on official duty overseas, said the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. https://t.co/yPhR12m97a
— Competitive Edge Life (@ProvizionGsh) September 6, 2024
The OSC report emphasized that Del Toro’s actions were particularly troubling given his past acknowledgments that the Department of the Navy must remain apolitical.
Although Del Toro self-reported the incident in February, the OSC did not view this as absolution from the violation. His attorney, Michael Bromwich, argued that the comments were unplanned and a result of "spontaneous" questions from the press. Bromwich further claimed that the remarks were made in response to the international media, with no intention of influencing American voters. Nevertheless, the OSC found these defenses insufficient, asserting that Del Toro's statements still amounted to political activity under federal law.
This violation raises questions about the enforcement of the Hatch Act, which applies broadly to prevent government officials from using their positions to engage in partisan politics. Del Toro’s case has been referred to the White House for further action, with potential penalties including a fine or removal from office.
The Hatch Act has been a contentious issue in previous administrations, and the Del Toro case highlights ongoing concerns about the intersection of government service and political advocacy.
