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When government websites become campaign tools: Blaming the shutdown on Democrats has legal and political risks

  • Written by Stephanie A. (Sam) Martin, Frank and Bethine Church Endowed Chair of Public Affairs, Boise State University
When government websites become campaign tools: Blaming the shutdown on Democrats has legal and political risksScreenshot of the Department of Health and Human Services homepage on Oct. 14, 2025.HHS website

For decades, federal shutdowns have mostly been budget fights. The 2025 one has become bigger than that: It’s turned into a messaging war.

Official government communications, including website banners, out-of-office email replies and autogenerated...

Read more: When government websites become campaign tools: Blaming the shutdown on Democrats has legal and...

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