WASHINGTON (AP) — Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro broken law publicly endorsing President Joe Biden's reelection and criticizing former President Donald Trump in several statements he made while on official business overseas, United States Office of Special Counsel said on Thursday.
In a report to the White House, the watchdog said Del Toro's comments about the presidential election came in a BBC interview and when he answered questions after a speech in London. Although he later reported the comments, his reluctance to take responsibility for them was troubling, the special counsel said.
The agency said Del Toro's comments, made before Biden dropped out of the presidential race, violated Hatch's Law, which prohibits US officials from engaging in political activity while in office, and from “using their official power or influence to interfere in or influence an election.”
“The United States and the world need the mature leadership of President Biden,” Del Toro said in response to a question after speaking at the Royal United Services Institute in late January. He added: “We cannot afford to have a president who sides with autocratic dictators and rulers whose interpretation of democratic principles is suspect at best.”
Del Toro was later asked about his comments on Trump's democratic principles during an interview on BBC News Sunday. Del Toro responded that past Republican and Democratic presidents have upheld core American values and defended democracy.
“When someone doesn't share these basic principles, the question arises: is it worth supporting them?” he said.
Del Toro was asked, “Did you say he was suspicious of democracy?” And the Secretary of the Navy replied, “Absolutely so.”
Days later, Del Toro himself acknowledged his error to the special counsel, saying his intent had been to focus on the importance of strong international alliances. But he added, “In retrospect, I believe my response should have been more broadly worded, without reference to specific candidates.”
In a separate written response to the watchdog's findings, the secretary's attorney, Michael Bromwich, said Del Toro's comments were “spontaneous and unintentional” and did not constitute a violation of the Hatch Act. Bromwich said Del Toro was responding to questions and did not directly mention Trump by name.
Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger said in his report that Del Toro had “crossed a legal line.” And he said the secretary's “unwillingness to admit error is astounding” and troubling.
Dellinger said he appreciated Del Toro reporting the comments, “but that fact alone should not excuse him.” Del Toro also issued his own directive to the Navy, Dellinger said, noting that “it is more important than ever for us to remember that the DON (Department of the Navy) is an apolitical agency. … Public trust and confidence depend on it.”
The findings come after two Democratic members of Congress sent a letter in August to two top Pentagon officials urging them to ensure that the military is not drawn into politics during the presidential elections.
Career government employees who violate the Hatch Act may be fired, suspended, or demoted, and fined up to $1,000, although fines are rare for federal employees.
The Navy and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.