RFK Jr. Under Hatch Act Scrutiny
Oregon Senator Requests Investigation into RFK Jr. for Alleged Hatch Act Violations
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Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden is calling for a federal investigation into Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., alleging he broke the law by meddling in political campaigns. KOMO News reports that Wyden sent a formal request asking investigators to look into whether Kennedy violated the Hatch Act — a law that bars federal employees from taking part in political activities.
Wyden alleges Kennedy contacted two libertarian candidates and pressured them to drop out of their races. Kennedy also reportedly asked Republican candidate Rick Stewart to suspend his campaign, according to KATU. The apparent goal was to help Republicans hold onto their majority in the House of Representatives.
What the Hatch Act Says and Why It Matters
The Hatch Act has been federal law since 1939. It exists to keep government workers out of partisan politics. The rule is simple: if you work for the federal government, you cannot use your position to influence elections. Violations can lead to fines, suspension, or even removal from office.
Kennedy serves as a Cabinet secretary under President Trump. That makes him a covered federal employee under the law. Wyden argues that reaching out to candidates to push them out of races is exactly the kind of political activity the Hatch Act is designed to prevent, according to News Channel 9.
Kennedy Allegedly Pressured Candidates to Quit Their Races
Wyden's allegations center on three candidates. Two were libertarian candidates running for office. The third was Rick Stewart, a Republican. Kennedy reportedly contacted all three and urged them to step aside, according to Idaho News.
The strategy appears aimed at clearing the field for preferred Republican candidates. By removing third-party and unwanted primary challengers, the effort could make it easier for the GOP to win and keep House seats. Wyden says using a Cabinet post to make those calls crosses a clear legal line.
Wyden Sends Formal Investigation Request to Federal Watchdog
Wyden did not simply issue a public statement. He sent a formal written request to the appropriate federal oversight body asking for a full investigation. WGME reports the senator wants investigators to determine whether Kennedy's actions broke federal law.
Wyden has been a sharp critic of the Trump administration. This request adds Kennedy to a list of officials Democrats have targeted for oversight scrutiny. Whether investigators will open a formal probe remains unclear, as no response from the oversight office has been publicly reported.
No Comment Yet From Kennedy or HHS on the Allegations
As of now, Kennedy and the Department of Health and Human Services have not publicly responded to Wyden's allegations. News 3 Las Vegas notes that the investigation request is still in its early stages. It is not yet known whether Kennedy will face any formal questioning or disciplinary review.
The story adds fresh pressure on Kennedy, who has already faced scrutiny over his leadership of HHS and his public health positions. A Hatch Act finding against a sitting Cabinet member would be a serious political and legal blow to the administration.
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