Government Workers' Out-of-Office Emails Altered to Blame Democrats for Shutdown
On the first day of the US government shutdown, employees at the Department of Education (DOE) discovered that their automatic out-of-office email responses had been altered to contain partisan language blaming Senate Democrats for the entire shutdown. According to multiple sources, including a DOE employee who wished to remain anonymous, the changes occurred without the consent of the affected workers.
The alterations were first reported by journalist Marisa Kabas on Bluesky, with some employees changing their responses back to more neutral language. "It's disturbing," said the anonymous DOE employee. "We just wanted to inform people that we wouldn't be able to respond until after the shutdown."
Similar incidents may have occurred at other agencies, including the Small Business Administration and Department of Labor, according to multiple sources. This mixed approach to handling the shutdown's impact on communication raises questions about the role of partisan politics in government operations.
The Department of Education had provided guidance to employees on how to handle out-of-office emails during the shutdown, suggesting neutral language that did not assign blame. However, it appears that some individuals or groups may have intervened to alter these messages. The exact identity and motivations behind these changes remain unclear.
Government agencies are typically expected to maintain a level of neutrality in their communication, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like the government shutdown. The alteration of out-of-office emails to include partisan language has sparked concerns about the potential for further politicization of government operations.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by government workers during the shutdown, who must navigate complex and often conflicting priorities while maintaining a professional image. As one expert noted, "Government agencies should strive to maintain a level of professionalism in their communication, even in times of crisis."
In response to these allegations, officials from the affected agencies have yet to comment publicly on the matter. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for clear guidelines and protocols for government workers during periods of uncertainty.
As the shutdown continues, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the operations of government agencies and their communication with the public. With multiple investigations underway, one thing is certain: the politicization of government operations has reached new heights, leaving many to wonder what other surprises the shutdown may hold.
This story was compiled from reports by Wired and Wired.
