A major federal workers’ union has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of violating Education Department employees’ First Amendment rights by altering their automatic out-of-office email messages to include partisan political language blaming Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown.
Union Alleges Violation of Free Speech Rights
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) filed the complaint in federal court in Washington, D.C., on Friday.
The lawsuit claims that the administration unlawfully compelled furloughed Department of Education employees to “recite partisan words they would not have spoken otherwise.”
According to the union, the modified out-of-office messages appeared to come directly from employees, misleading the public and compromising their right to remain politically neutral.
Altered Messages Blamed Democrats for Shutdown
The lawsuit cites automatic replies that had been changed to include the following message:
“Unfortunately, Democrat Senators are blocking passage of H.R. 5371 in the Senate which has led to a lapse in appropriations. Due to the lapse in appropriations I am currently in furlough status. I will respond to emails once government functions resume.”
These changes were made without employees’ consent, the complaint says. Reuters confirmed that emails sent to the Education Department’s press team received similar automated responses blaming Senate Democrats.
Context: Shutdown and Department Layoffs
The dispute arose amid a broader government shutdown that began Wednesday after Congress failed to approve funding legislation.
The Education Department, which President Trump has repeatedly suggested should be dismantled, planned to furlough approximately 87% of its employees if the shutdown continued.
Some workers were already on administrative leave due to planned mass layoffs before the shutdown began.
Legal and Political Implications
Skye Perryman, president of the liberal advocacy group Democracy Forward, which is representing AFGE, condemned the administration’s actions as a clear constitutional violation.
“Posting messages without consent to broadcast messages on behalf of a partisan agenda is a blatant violation of First Amendment rights,” Perryman said in a statement.
The lawsuit highlights growing tensions between federal workers and the administration, particularly as agencies face budget uncertainty and political polarization surrounding the shutdown.
What’s Next
The case is expected to test the boundaries of government authority over employee communications during furloughs. If successful, the lawsuit could set a precedent affirming that federal workers cannot be compelled to disseminate partisan messages while serving in official capacities.
