Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro warned sailors against engaging in political activity just before being cited for violating federal law by endorsing President Joe Biden. The Office of Special Counsel determined that Del Toro’s public support for Biden during a taxpayer-funded trip to the U.K. in January crossed the legal line, breaching the Hatch Act, which prevents federal employees from participating in political activities while on duty.
Just a day before the citation, Del Toro sent guidance to Navy personnel reminding them to remain apolitical during the 2024 election season. The guidance stressed that the Department of the Navy (DON) must remain an “apolitical body” and warned members against any actions that might imply support for a political candidate.
The timing of this warning raised eyebrows, as the Office of Special Counsel soon after cited Del Toro for endorsing Biden while performing official duties. Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger noted that Del Toro encouraged electoral support for Biden in upcoming elections, thereby violating the Hatch Act.
Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), chairman of the Anti-Woke Caucus, criticized Del Toro and the Biden-Harris administration, stating, “Rules for thee but not for me is the unofficial slogan of the woke Biden-Harris DOD.” Banks added that trust in the military has declined under the administration due to actions like Del Toro’s.
Del Toro’s comments during the U.K. trip, which endorsed Biden’s re-election, were deemed political activity, further entrenching the view that the administration is embedding its political ideology within national security institutions through policies like diversity, equity, and inclusion.
