Trump Admin Hijacks "Out of Office" Emails Amid Government Shutdown Chaos

Trump Administration Defiles Even the "Out of Office" Email Auto-Reply In a move that has left many scratching their heads, the Trump administration has instructed government employees to modify their "out of office" email auto-replies during the ongoing government shutdown. The change, which was made in an effort to save face and maintain a semblance of normalcy, has sparked outrage among critics who see it as yet another example of the administration's disregard for transparency and accountability. According to sources within the administration, employees were told to alter their auto-replies to explicitly state that they are "available by email" despite being furloughed. This move is seen as a blatant attempt to deceive the public into believing that government services are still functioning normally. "It's just another example of this administration's lack of transparency and honesty," said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), a vocal critic of the shutdown. "They're trying to cover up their own failures by pretending like everything is business as usual." The change was made in response to criticism that the auto-replies were too blunt, stating that employees were "out of office" due to the shutdown. The administration argued that this language was too negative and would reflect poorly on the government. "It's not about being honest with the public," said a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "It's about presenting a positive image and maintaining morale among employees." The move has sparked outrage among civil liberties groups, who see it as an attack on free speech and transparency. "This is just another example of this administration's disregard for the public's right to know," said Katie Redding, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "By altering their auto-replies, they're trying to manipulate the narrative and deceive the public." The government shutdown, which began on December 22, has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay. The administration's decision to modify the auto-replies is seen as a desperate attempt to salvage what's left of its reputation. As the shutdown continues, many are left wondering what other changes will be made in an effort to save face. "It's just another example of this administration's willingness to do whatever it takes to maintain power," said Rep. Raskin. "We'll continue to hold them accountable for their actions." Background and Context The government shutdown, which is now the longest in U.S. history, began on December 22 due to a dispute over border security funding. The Trump administration has insisted that any spending bill must include funding for a border wall, while Democrats have refused to compromise. Additional Perspectives Experts say that the move to modify the auto-replies is just another example of the administration's disregard for transparency and accountability. "This is not about being honest with the public," said Dr. Robert McChesney, a media studies professor at the University of Illinois. "It's about presenting a positive image and maintaining morale among employees." Current Status and Next Developments The government shutdown continues, with no end in sight. The administration's decision to modify the auto-replies has sparked outrage among critics, who see it as yet another example of the administration's disregard for transparency and accountability. As the shutdown drags on, many are left wondering what other changes will be made in an effort to save face. One thing is certain: this administration will stop at nothing to maintain its power and reputation. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*