donald trump place gag order multiple federal agencies tell cut communication public press also members congress go figure sit well people especially since happen illegal two house democrats decide take action.rep elijah cummings rep. frank pallone send letter white house counsel ask take immediate action remedy trump administration apparent violations multiple federal laws impose gag order federal employees prevent communicate congress letter explain gag order appear violate whistleblower protection enhancement act well consolidate appropriations act 2016 include mandatory statement explain employees still allow talk members congress inspectors general.the letter point consolidate appropriations act also state federal employee try stop another federal employee speak congress anything job relate forfeit salary.cummings pallone cite memo issue act secretary department health human service president trump first day office state correspondence public officials e.g members congress governors contain interpretations statements department regulations policy unless specifically authorize designee shall send february 3. congressmen write memo similar restrictions place federal agencies departments interior transportation agriculture appear violate laws cummings pallone urge trump administration immediately rescind illegal gag order add magnitude problematic directives request president issue official statement make clear federal employees right communicate congress administration silence retaliate whistleblowers feature image alex wong via getty image house dems white house counsel trump gag order break federal laws lot