Applaud the Judge Who Stood Up for Federal Workers’ Speech

In a major victory for democracy, free speech, and the integrity of public service, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper has ruled that the Trump administration violated the First Amendment by forcing furloughed federal employees to send partisan out-of-office emails blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.

Judge Cooper’s decision makes clear that federal employees serve the American people — not politicians or propaganda. His ruling struck down the administration’s unlawful attempt to turn nonpartisan public servants into unwilling mouthpieces for Donald Trump’s political agenda.

“Nonpartisanship is the bedrock of the federal civil service,” Judge Cooper wrote. “When government employees enter public service, they do not sign away their First Amendment rights — and they certainly do not sign up to be a billboard for any given administration’s partisan views.”

This powerful decision reaffirms that truth, fairness, and constitutional rights come before politics. It protects millions of federal workers and defends the vital principle that public service must remain independent from partisan manipulation.

Add your name to applaud Judge Cooper for defending free speech, protecting federal workers, and standing up to Trump’s attempt to politicize our government.