Trump reshuffles US election body before midterms
US President Donald Trump has dismissed the remaining two commissioners of the federal agency responsible for supporting and overseeing election administration, leaving the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) without any serving commissioners just months before the country's 2026 midterm elections. According to multiple US media reports, the affected officials, both Democratic nominees, received notices from the White House informing them that their appointments had been terminated with immediate effect. Their dismissal follows the earlier resignation of the commission’s two Republican-appointed members this year. The EAC is an independent bipartisan body established by Congress in 2002 to improve election administration across the United States. It certifies voting equipment, develops election guidelines and manages federal funding provided to states to strengthen election systems. The decision has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers, election officials and voting rights advocates, who argue that removing the commission’s entire leadership so close to the midterm elections could undermine confidence in the electoral process. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes described the move as both irresponsible and dangerous, saying it creates unnecessary uncertainty for election administrators preparing for nationwide polls. Virginia Senator Mark Warner also questioned the decision, stating that eliminating all remaining commissioners at the agency requires a clear explanation from the administration because of its potential impact on election oversight. Voting rights groups expressed similar concerns. The Brennan Center for Justice said the commission was deliberately structured to maintain bipartisan balance, with no more than two commissioners from the same political party, in order to protect its independence and credibility.
The White House defended the dismissals, maintaining that the president has the authority to remove officials who are not fully aligned with his administration’s efforts to strengthen election integrity. It insisted the priority remains ensuring that every legal vote is counted and that US elections remain secure. The latest development comes after previous disagreements between the Trump administration and the commission over proposed election reforms, including efforts to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. Those proposals faced legal challenges, with courts blocking key parts of the plan. With all commissioner positions now vacant, observers say it could take several months before new appointments are confirmed, potentially delaying major decisions requiring approval from the commission.
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