The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has determined that Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro violated the Hatch Act by publicly endorsing the reelection of President Joe Biden and criticizing former President Donald Trump while on official duty overseas. The watchdog agency's report to the White House highlighted Del Toro's comments made during a BBC interview and a speech in London, where he expressed support for President Biden and questioned Trump's commitment to democratic principles.
The Hatch Act prohibits U.S. officials from engaging in political activity while on duty and from using their official authority to influence election outcomes. Del Toro's remarks were deemed to have crossed this legal line, as he openly advocated for President Biden and criticized Trump's approach to democracy.
