This article discusses actions taken by President Joe Biden's administration, specifically through the Department of Agriculture (USDA), which allegedly collaborated with liberal activist groups to support voter registration efforts. Concerns have been raised about the legality of these actions, which were reversed by former President Donald Trump.
1. Biden's Executive Order: In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to engage in voter registration and mobilization. This order was rescinded by President Trump in March 2025.
2. Partnerships with Activist Groups: Under Biden's directive, the USDA worked with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Demos to promote voting. This partnership was criticized as inappropriate since these organizations are not linked to agriculture or food assistance.
3. Impact on USDA Programs: The USDA's initiatives included using programs meant to assist low-income individuals, like the National School Lunch Program and Rural Housing Service, to distribute voter registration forms and information about voting.
4. Documentation and Meetings: Many meetings and interactions between the USDA and these organizations were not well-documented, raising concerns about transparency and compliance with the law.
5. Legal Concerns: Legal experts, including Hans Von Spakovsky from the Heritage Foundation, labeled Biden's executive order as potentially unlawful, suggesting it misused funds and violated federal law by improperly involving federal agencies in the election process.
6. Encouragement of Voter Registration: The USDA encouraged voter registration during programs where people applied for food benefits or housing, integrating these activities into services that traditionally focused on aid.
7. Policy on Employment: The USDA also changed its policy to grant federal employees up to four hours of administrative leave to vote or serve as poll workers, a move viewed as connecting federal employment with electoral participation.
The article emphasizes the controversy surrounding Biden's executive order and the subsequent actions taken by the USDA in conjunction with activist groups for voter registration. Legal experts have highlighted conflicts with federal law, and the efforts were ended by Trump’s administration after a review. This issue raises significant discussions regarding the role of federal agencies in elections and their responsibilities in serving the public.
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