Ethan Wolf, a communications specialist at the Commerce Department, is under scrutiny for allegedly violating the Hatch Act by running a viral X account supporting Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign during government work hours. The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) filed a complaint Wednesday, citing Wolf’s use of taxpayer-funded time to engage in partisan activities.
The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activities while on the job or in government facilities. FACT’s complaint alleges that Wolf’s account, initially titled “Biden’s Wins” and later rebranded as “Kamala’s Wins,” actively posted political content during standard work hours, including misinformation about Harris’s opponents.
A post from September 17 promoting Billie Eilish’s endorsement of Harris and encouraging young voters to support her campaign was flagged in the complaint. Other posts were called out for spreading inaccuracies, including false claims about attendance at a J.D. Vance rally and a fabricated story involving NFL quarterback Joe Burrow.
FACT’s executive director, Kendra Arnold, said these activities represent clear violations of the Hatch Act. “Federal employees cannot manage political accounts or engage in partisan posting during work hours,” Arnold explained, urging the Office of Special Counsel to investigate Wolf’s actions thoroughly.
Wolf denies being the sole operator of the account since joining the Commerce Department but has not disclosed who else might be responsible for the posts. Public financial disclosures indicate he earned income from his media company, Democratic Wins Media LLC, raising further questions about potential conflicts of interest.
This case adds to a growing list of Hatch Act violations within the Biden administration. Officials including Karine Jean-Pierre, Andrew Bates, and others have previously been cited for partisan communications in violation of federal ethics laws.
The Office of Special Counsel is expected to review the complaint and determine whether Wolf’s actions merit disciplinary measures. Critics argue this case underscores a broader lack of accountability within the administration.
