Hatch Act Enforcement Tightened to Curb White House Political Activity

New guidelines shift authority from the president to a review board, introducing stricter penalties for violations.

The Office of Special Counsel will now refer Hatch Act violations to the Merit Systems Protection Board for adjudication.
Previously, the president had sole discretion over pursuing or ignoring violations by senior White House officials.
New rules also allow prosecution of officials for infractions committed during their tenure, even after they leave office.
A ban on political 'swag' in federal workplaces has been expanded to include all times of the year.
The changes aim to provide clearer guidance and more consistent enforcement of the Hatch Act.