President Donald Trump fired the last two Democratic members of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission (EAC) on Thursday, a move that critics say is a brazen attempt to seize control of the November midterm elections. The dismissals come as Trump pushes for voting restrictions and continues to make baseless claims of election fraud.
Firings Leave Commission in Disarray
The two Democratic commissioners received an email from the Trump administration notifying them of their removal, according to U.S. media reports. The remaining Republican-chosen commissioner resigned on Thursday, following another resignation in April. This leaves the four-person panel with no members, effectively paralyzing the agency that certifies voting equipment and administers hundreds of millions of dollars in federal election support.
The White House defended the firings, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that expanded presidential authority to remove members of independent government agencies. “The President, and head of the Executive Branch, reserves the right to remove individuals that may not be totally aligned with the important task of securing America’s elections and ensuring every legal vote is counted,” a White House official said in a statement.
Democrats Condemn 'Power Grab'
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the firings a “power grab” and vowed to fight them. “Firing every remaining member of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission months before the midterms is a brazen attempt to seize control of our elections before a single vote is cast,” Schumer said on X. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia described the move as an “extraordinary step that demands an immediate explanation from the administration.”
The EAC requires agreement from three of its four commissioners to approve any actions, but filling the vacancies could take months, according to USA Today. This could delay critical decisions on voting equipment certification and the distribution of federal funds to states.
Trump's Broader Push for Voting Restrictions
Trump has escalated his false claims of election fraud, echoing his baseless assertions that fraud cost him the 2020 election. He has also shown frustration with Congress’s refusal to pass a package of new voting restrictions. In a previous clash with the EAC, Trump issued an executive order demanding proof of citizenship on voter registration forms, which was largely blocked in court, according to CNN.
Republicans fear that Trump’s near-record unpopularity, combined with the high cost of living sparked by his Iran war, could cost them control of the House of Representatives in November. The midterm elections are seen as a critical test for both parties.
