Did Elon Musk violate the Hatch Act by wearing MAGA hat in Oval Office? What we know

Elon Musk joined Donald Trump within the Oval Workplace on the White Home on Tuesday, because the president signed a sequence of government orders. Musk was accompanied by his son, X Æ A-Xii, who shortly stole the highlight together with his playful habits. Nevertheless, it wasn’t simply the kid who drew consideration. Social media customers additionally targeted on the billionaire’s MAGA hat. Some argued that carrying the hat violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal staff from “displaying partisan political gadgets resembling buttons, t-shirts, indicators, or different equipment.” Then again, some defended Musk, asserting that he isn’t a authorities worker, however somewhat an advisor to the federal authorities.

For these unversed, Elon Musk has been appointed a “particular authorities worker” by the White Home. The SpaceX CEO is at present working with President Trump to spearhead initiatives targeted on slicing authorities spending by the Division of Authorities Effectivity (DOGE).

Reactions –

“Isn’t carrying that MAGA hat a violation of the Hatch Act? I recall Republicans continuously complaining about related issues a number of years in the past. You are a particular authorities worker, proper? So take it off,” one individual wrote.

One other commented, “Elon is breaking the Hatch Act with that hat. He needs to be arrested instantly. I converse for all People.”

A 3rd individual identified, “The Hatch Act applies when Musk is on responsibility and utilizing authorities assets. He’s not paid by the federal government, so technically, he’s not on responsibility and isn’t utilizing authorities assets.”

One other person responded, “The Hatch Act solely applies to EMPLOYEES. You could name Musk a ‘particular authorities worker,’ however he isn’t being paid. For somebody to be thought-about an worker, they have to obtain a wage in change for his or her work. Musk is an unpaid advisor in a brief advisory position. Whereas DOGE has paid staff, Musk will not be certainly one of them. The Hatch Act doesn’t apply right here.”