Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) wrote to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall demanding names of those responsible for telling airmen they couldn’t attend a rally featuring a speaker from the conservative Turning Point Action organization.
Gaetz expressed concern about partisan comments made by the command at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, citing a misapplication of the Hatch Act.
“We just got word of an event going at the fairgrounds downtown, called Dakota Patriot Rally. Its guest speaker is from an alt-right organization called Turning Point Action,” the message began. (Trending: Donald Trump Confronts Bud Light CEO)
“Please advise your folks that if they are going to be downtown this weekend, it’s good to be cautious, as the crowds this event may attract could be confrontational to military members.”
“Additionally please remind them that participation with groups such as Turning Point Action could jeopardize their continued service in the US military.”
He questioned the approval and issuance of messages warning against political activities and demanded to know Air Force policies and actions to protect service members’ constitutional rights.
“I write to express grave concern regarding brazen partisan comments made by the command at Minot Air Force Base (AFB) in North Dakota,” Gaetz wrote.
“You are obligated to intervene, as this series of actions demonstrates a clear misapplication of the Hatch Act, which states members on active duty should not engage in political activities while in uniform to avoid creating the appearance that their political activities imply official Department of Defense (DoD) sponsorship, approval or endorsement of a candidate, campaign or cause.”
“Thus, the text messages and emails from command show a growing politicization at installations within the Department of the Air Force (DAF) favoring one political party or political view,” he said.
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