President Donald Trump terminated the remaining three commissioners of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) on Thursday, July 9, 2025, according to one person familiar with the decision and two others briefed on the terminations. The EAC is an independent federal agency that assists election officials nationwide.
Commissioners Forced Out in Different Ways
The four-member bipartisan commission lost its remaining three members on Thursday through separate actions. The Republican appointee resigned, while the two Democratic appointees were notified of their termination via an email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office. The email, reviewed by Reuters, stated: “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Commissioner of the Election Assistance Commission is terminated, effective immediately. Thank you for your service.” The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Role of the Election Assistance Commission
According to the commission’s website, the EAC serves as a “national clearinghouse of information on election administration,” accredits testing laboratories, certifies voting systems, and maintains the national mail voter registration form developed under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. These functions are critical for ensuring uniform standards and integrity in federal elections.
Context of the Terminations
The firings come amid ongoing advocacy by Trump and top administration officials to change vote-by-mail requirements and continue investigations into the 2020 election outcome, which Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes condemned the move in a Thursday statement: “It is irresponsible and dangerous that this Administration remains dead set on causing chaos for our election officials across this country. This move undermines the integrity of nonpartisan election administration.”
Legal Authority and Next Steps
The Help America Vote Act of 2002, which established the EAC, grants the president the authority to appoint replacements to the commission. However, it remains unclear how Trump will proceed with the commission’s future operations or appointments.
