Prof. Richard Painter Interviewed by Huffington Post About Trump Ad Violating Hatch Act

Professor Richard Painter, S. Walter Richey Professor of Corporate Law, was interviewed by Huffington Post about an ad that shows Donald Trump condemning communism, socialism and Marxism. The commercial, which featured a disclaimer that it was “Paid for by the U.S. Government.” Critics say the ad is propaganda and a violation of the Hatch Act, a 1939 federal law that limits most executive branch employees from using their offices to support or perform certain political activities and endorsements. Presidents and vice presidents are exempt from the Hatch Act, but the ad could still violate government restrictions against using taxpayer money into political propaganda. Prof. Painter said, “It is a political ad and cannot be paid for out of federal funds.”