Trump fires members of key election commission ahead of midterms
President Removes Election Commission Officials Ahead of Midterm Elections
Commission Faces Leadership Vacuum as Members Depart
Trump fires members of key election commission as President Donald Trump officially terminated the positions of two commissioners on the federal Election Assistance Commission. This significant personnel change occurs just months before the 2026 midterm elections, potentially affecting how local election officials receive federal guidance. The removal of these officials represents a substantial shift in federal electoral oversight mechanisms and could influence election administration across multiple states.
Both Chairman Thomas Hicks and commissioner Benjamin Hovland received formal dismissal notifications on July 9, according to verified correspondence reviewed by USA TODAY. Each commissioner had been appointed to their respective positions by congressional Democrats, making their simultaneous removal politically notable. The timing of these dismissals has raised questions about the commission's ability to maintain balanced representation and provide consistent support to election administrators nationwide.
The commission has experienced considerable instability in recent months, with the latest firings adding to existing challenges. Vice Chair Christy McCormick, a Republican nominee, resigned on June 9, while Donald Palmer, another Republican commissioner, voluntarily left the agency earlier this year. These departures created four open positions, leaving only one commissioner from the original three-member leadership team. Since the commission requires three of four commissioners to reach consensus on official decisions, the agency faces potential operational delays while vacancies are filled through the appointment process.
"These removals leave the agency without leadership and unable to carry out its major responsibilities."
Michael Waldman, president and chief executive officer of the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, provided a detailed assessment of the situation. His analysis highlights concerns about long-term impacts on federal election support infrastructure. The White House issued a statement defending the executive action, asserting that the president maintains authority to remove officials who may not align with priorities for securing American elections and ensuring proper vote counting procedures.
State and municipal election directors have expressed growing frustration regarding reduced federal assistance. These officials report declining support from agencies responsible for protecting the electoral process and maintaining election integrity. Additionally, concerns have emerged about inconsistent communication regarding potential election threats from federal bodies to local jurisdictions. The removal of EAC commissioners has intensified uncertainty among election professionals throughout the country.
According to sources familiar with commission operations, the firings followed a significant U.S. Supreme Court decision issued on June 29. That ruling substantially expanded presidential authority over the leadership structures of independent agencies. A White House representative explained that this judicial outcome provides the president with greater precedence in removing commissioners. This legal foundation appears to have encouraged the administration to pursue more decisive personnel changes within federal election oversight bodies.
The commission's diminished capacity comes at a critical juncture when election administrators require robust federal support. With fewer commissioners available to provide guidance, local officials may face challenges accessing timely assistance for election preparation and implementation. The situation underscores broader questions about the stability of federal election infrastructure and the potential for continued personnel changes in the coming months.