WASHINGTON (Diya TV) – White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden has been formally accused of violating the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in political campaign activities while performing their official duties. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) filed the complaint that accuses Tanden of soliciting political contributions via social media posts. This complaint marks one of the latest high-profile cases of Hatch Act violations involving senior government officials.
Tanden, who has over 360,000 followers on X is accused of reposting or sharing posts on her personal social media account that asked for donations to various Democratic candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey. The OSC’s complaint alleges that these actions occurred after Tanden had been notified of previous violations by the agency.
According to the OSC, Tanden’s posts violated the Hatch Act’s restrictions on political activity for federal employees. The Act, which applies to most federal employees, prohibits them from using their position to promote or fundraise for partisan political candidates. Tanden’s posts, which included requests for contributions to Harris’ presidential campaign and to other Democratic candidates, prompted the OSC’s investigation.
The complaint outlines several instances of Tanden soliciting donations, starting in July 2024, with posts related to Harris’ campaign. After the OSC notified the White House in late August, Tanden removed one of the posts, but less than a week later, she reposted similar solicitations for additional candidates. In total, the OSC identified seven posts that allegedly violated the law. These included reposts soliciting contributions to Democratic congressional candidates and other high-profile Democrats.
Tanden’s attorney, Michael Bromwich, has criticized the OSC for issuing the complaint without interviewing Tanden first, calling the agency’s actions “rushed” and “unusual.” Bromwich offered to have Tanden sit for an interview, but the OSC moved forward with the complaint regardless, stating that it was necessary to proceed with the public filing.
In a statement, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates emphasized that the administration takes compliance with the Hatch Act seriously and that Tanden had deleted the posts once they were brought to her attention. Bates also noted that, based on a 2021 OSC report, disciplinary actions for senior White House officials may be referred to the president due to constitutional concerns regarding their accountability.
Tanden is not the first senior White House official to face scrutiny over Hatch Act violations. In 2021, the OSC found that Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates had violated the law by criticizing “MAGA” Republicans during public statements. Additionally, other figures in the Biden administration, such as former Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, have received warnings over similar issues.
The OSC has historically refrained from recommending direct disciplinary action against White House officials, leaving such decisions to the president. However, under the leadership of Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger, the OSC has indicated a shift toward greater enforcement of Hatch Act rules for high-ranking officials, including those within the White House. Dellinger has argued that no federal employee, including White House appointees, should be exempt from the law, emphasizing that it is critical to uphold the integrity of federal service.
If the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) accepts the OSC’s recommendation, Tanden could face disciplinary action, which could range from a temporary suspension to more severe penalties, such as removal from her position. However, given the constitutional considerations regarding White House officials, any final action would likely be reviewed by the president, further complicating the resolution of this case.
Tanden, a former president of the Center for American Progress, became a prominent figure in political circles, known for her outspoken social media presence. She was initially nominated by President Joe Biden to head the Office of Management and Budget in 2021 but withdrew after facing significant opposition from Senate Republicans. Since then, she has served as the director of the Domestic Policy Council, where she has worked on initiatives aimed at improving consumer rights and expanding healthcare access.
The complaint against Tanden highlights the ongoing tension between the enforcement of federal ethics laws and the high level of scrutiny faced by senior political appointees. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the White House will take further action or whether the case will ultimately be resolved through political channels.
