U.S. Justice Department Introduces New Policy Restricting Employees' Speech on Social Media
The Trump administration has ordered employees of the U.S. Justice Department not to post any content related to their government work on social media. This move comes as a response to a wave of political appointees frequently cheering for Trump and attacking opponents online.
This new directive was sent via email to prosecutors' offices across the country on Monday evening, seemingly prohibiting much of the content that Trump's political appointees often post on their official accounts. A source familiar with the matter said the change was proposed by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who expressed dissatisfaction with some of the comments made online by political appointees.
Although the Justice Department has previously restricted employees' use of social media, such as prohibiting discussions about ongoing investigations or posting politically charged remarks that could undermine the department's neutrality, the scope of the new policy is broader. The new policy stipulates that employees must not mention their Justice Department titles in any social media activities and must not forward official government information (such as press releases). The policy states: "Employees must not use social media in any way that undermines the efficiency of this department."
Leo Terrell, senior legal counsel at the Civil Rights Division and head of the Anti-Semitism Task Force, almost posts pro-Trump content on X every day. He wrote last Saturday: "Democrats are envious of President Trump!"
Aaron Reitz, director of the Justice Department's Office of Legal Policy, criticized "judges appointed by Democrats" for siding with drug cartels and attempting to strip Trump of his foreign policy powers in a social media post on April 8.
Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829524194770955/
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