US President Donald Trump has taken a step that raises concerns about election security and independence in the run-up to the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump dismissed the last two federal officials serving on the Election Assistance Commission (EAC).
The commission, established by Congress in 2002 and responsible for certifying election equipment and distributing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal aid to states, had previously seen the resignation of its two Republican-appointed members. The two officials dismissed were Democratic Party appointees.
Dismissal via White House email
The officials were informed that their duties were terminated immediately via an email sent by a White House official. The email, obtained by CNN, stated: "I am writing to inform you that, on behalf of President Donald Trump, your commissionership on the Election Assistance Commission is terminated effective immediately."
A White House statement reported by USA Today said the president "reserves the right to remove individuals who are not fully aligned with the critical work of securing US elections and ensuring every legal vote is counted."
Sharp reactions from Democrats and experts
The dismissals drew sharp reactions from Democratic officials. Adrian Fontes, a senior official from Arizona, described the move as "irresponsible and dangerous," saying Trump appeared "determined to create chaos in elections."
Virginia Senator Mark Warner said in a statement on X, "These dismissals should concern every American, regardless of party affiliation." Warner added, "Removing all remaining commissioners just months before the 2026 midterm elections is an extraordinary step that demands an immediate explanation from the administration."
Michael Waldman, CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice, called the dismissals "extremely alarming in light of President Trump's ongoing efforts to interfere in elections."
Supreme Court ruling and expansion of power
In late June, the US Supreme Court issued a ruling in a case involving the Federal Trade Commission, the antitrust regulator, that significantly expanded the president's authority over independent federal agencies. Administrative law experts noted that the decision would affect other agencies and would be used by Trump to increase his power over institutions considered independent.
According to CNN, Trump's executive order requiring proof of citizenship to be added to voter registration forms had previously caused a dispute with the commission and faced widespread legal challenges.
