WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity filed complaints under the Hatch Act today against the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Health and Human Services for displaying partisan banners on their websites blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.

“Trump’s political appointees are so desperate for his approval, they’re willing to blatantly violate the law for a pat on the head,” said Stephanie Kurose, deputy director of government affairs at the Center. “Trump has turned government websites into campaign billboards. This isn’t public service, it’s Trump fan fiction.”

The 1939 Hatch Act prohibits taxpayer funding from being used for partisan purposes. Hatch Act complaints are processed by the Office of Special Counsel, an independent agency within the executive branch. However, the agency’s website states that office is closed “due to a lapse in appropriations.”

A banner on the Forest Service homepage says, “the Radical Left Democrats shut down the government.” This message appears throughout the website, including on a page specifically informing employees about their responsibilities under the Hatch Act. The Health and Human Services homepage banner says, “mission-critical activities of HHS will continue during the Democrat-led government shutdown.”

“Trump has created the conditions for his own impunity,” said Kurose. “As long as he keeps the government shut down, Trump can break the law without oversight. It’s outrageous, even for this crook in the White House.”