Navy Secretary Violates Law with Political Comments on Presidential Race

WASHINGTON — Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has been found to have violated the law by publicly endorsing President Joe Biden’s reelection and criticizing former President Donald Trump while on official duty abroad, according to a report from the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.

The watchdog agency detailed its findings in a report sent to the White House, indicating that Del Toro’s comments were made during a BBC interview that followed a speech he gave in London. Although he subsequently reported these remarks, the agency expressed concern over his failure to take full responsibility.

Del Toro’s statements, made before Biden officially withdrew from the presidential race, contravened the Hatch Act. This law prevents U.S. officials from engaging in political activities while on duty and from using their official position to influence the outcome of elections.

“The United States and the world need the mature leadership of President Biden,” Del Toro asserted in response to a question post-speech at the Royal United Services Institute in January. He further stated, “We cannot afford to have a president who aligns himself with autocratic dictators and rulers whose interpretation of democratic principles is suspicious at best.”

In a subsequent interview on “BBC News Sunday,” Del Toro was pressed on his remarks about Trump’s stance on democratic values. He stated that both Republican and Democratic presidents historically adhered to fundamental American principles and safeguarded democracy.

“When you have someone who doesn’t align to those core principles, it makes you wonder, you know, should you be supporting that individual?” Del Toro reflected.

Upon being questioned if Trump had a “suspicious attitude to democracy,” Del Toro replied, “Absolutely so.”

Days later, he voluntarily reported the incident to the Office of Special Counsel, asserting that his intent was to emphasize the significance of strong international alliances. He noted, “In retrospect, I believe my response should have been delivered more broadly without reference to specific candidates.”

Del Toro’s legal representative, Michael Bromwich, argued that the secretary’s comments were “spontaneous and unpremeditated,” asserting they did not breach the Hatch Act. Bromwich maintained that Del Toro had not directly mentioned Trump’s name while responding to questions.

Special counsel Hampton Dellinger highlighted that Del Toro had indeed “crossed a legal line.” He remarked on the secretary’s reluctance to acknowledge a mistake as “striking” and concerning.

While Dellinger recognized that Del Toro had reported the comments, he remarked that this act alone should not exonerate him. Del Toro has since issued a directive to the Navy, reinforcing that the Department of the Navy must remain apolitical. Dellinger emphasized that “public trust and confidence depend on this.”

The release of these findings followed a letter sent by two Democratic Congress members to the Pentagon’s leadership in August, urging for a clear boundary between military affairs and politics during the presidential election cycle.

Penalties for career government officials found guilty of violating the Hatch Act include termination, suspension, or demotion, alongside potential fines up to $1,000. However, enforcement of these penalties is rare within federal agencies.

As of now, there has been no response from the Navy or the White House regarding the report.