Naval Academy Faces Backlash For Possible Hatch Act Violations

Military personnel standing with hands clasped behind backs.

The Naval Academy’s decision to host an anti-Trump speaker has sparked intense debate about potential Hatch Act violations and the safeguarding of political neutrality within military education.

At a Glance

Secretary of the Navy Del Toro’s comments supporting President Biden could breach the Hatch Act.
The Hatch Act strictly prohibits federal officials from political activities in official capacities.
Naval Academy’s choice of speaker is questioned for potential partisanship.
Critics argue military academies should avoid political biases.

Alleged Hatch Act Violation by Navy Secretary

Criticism has emerged following Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro’s statements supporting President Joe Biden during an official trip to the UK, raising the possibility of a Hatch Act violation. The Hatch Act restricts federal officials from political activities while on duty or within the workplace. Del Toro’s remarks about Biden, made during interviews about Operation Prosperity Guardian, led to scrutiny.

Del Toro self-reported these comments, claiming his intent was to highlight the significance of international alliances and security. Despite this, the Office of Special Counsel investigated and deemed his comments as constituting political activity. His lawyer contended that these remarks were impromptu and not prepared. The Defense Department has subsequently reinforced guidance on political activity limitations among military personnel.

Navy secretary slapped with Hatch Act violation for urging Biden's reelection https://t.co/S3Vg5fDNWz

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 5, 2024

Controversial Invitation at Naval Academy

The controversy expanded to the U.S. Naval Academy’s invitation to historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, known for her anti-Trump views, to speak at the annual Bancroft lecture. Her intended address on “militaries under authoritarian rule” made connections to Donald Trump, leading to accusations of partisanship violating military regulations.

Concerns grow regarding “woke” ideology at the academy, including mandatory pronoun declarations. Critics argue such practices and the DEI initiatives may weaken core military principles like unit cohesion. Members of Congress have sought clarifications from academy leadership on these issues, emphasizing the importance of political neutrality.

The Hatch Act bars federal officials from participating in political activities while serving in their official capacity and in their federal workplace. https://t.co/FdYJeS2Tlc

— Military Times (@MilitaryTimes) September 5, 2024

Maintaining Military Neutrality

This incident highlights the necessity of maintaining nonpartisan boundaries in military education. The invitation to Ben-Ghiat and the controversy surrounding Del Toro’s comments suggest a perceived shift away from political neutrality. The call for a review of the vetting process for speakers and questions about the academy’s stance on politically sensitive topics remain unaddressed.

“When speaking in his official capacity on a taxpayer-funded trip, Secretary Del Toro encouraged electoral support for one candidate over another in the upcoming presidential election,” Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger said. “By doing so, he crossed a legal line and violated the Hatch Act.”

The Naval Academy and related federal institutions must focus on their missions of training future military leaders, avoiding partisan engagements that could compromise institutional integrity.