Hours later, many DOE employees realized their response message had been altered to contain partisan language without their consent. Some employees changed their responses back to the more neutral language, only to have it changed yet again to the partisan response, multiple sources tell WIRED. As government employees began to log off in preparation for a shutdown, many agencies sent out guidance, including suggested language for their out-of-office message. Originally, the suggested language given to DOE employees read, “Thank you for your email. Please visit Ed.gov for the latest information on the Department’s operational status.” Many employees set this neutral language as their OOO status.