OSC finds Julian Castro violated Hatch Act during campaign interview

On July 18, 2016, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel found that HUD Secretary Julian Castro violated the Hatch Act after a Yahoo News interview mixed official housing policy with support for Hillary Clinton. Castro tried to separate the two by saying he was taking off his HUD hat, but OSC said the disclaimer did not cure the violation because the interview used his official title and agency work before the campaign statement. The finding showed how weak Hatch Act remedies can be for Cabinet officials: OSC could publicize the violation and recommend presidential action, but the public record showed no removal or suspension followed (OSC report; Texas Tribune; CBS News; Politico; OSC Hatch Act guidance).