US President Donald Trump has sidelined an independent federal agency that supports the nation's election infrastructure. According to Newsweek, Trump dismissed all members of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC).
The White House argued that the move aims to enhance election security and ensure only legal votes are counted. The decision came after the US Supreme Court expanded the president's authority to remove officials at independent agencies.
Commission left leaderless
According to The Guardian, the last three members of the commission departed in different ways. The sole Republican member resigned, while the two Democratic members learned via email from the White House that their appointments had been terminated. The agency, established by Congress in 2002, was left leaderless and unable to perform its official duties.
Critical role in the US election system
Although the Election Assistance Commission does not directly run elections, it serves as a vital support mechanism for the US election system. The agency acts as a national clearinghouse for information on election administration, providing technical guidance and training to election officials. It also certifies laboratories that test voting technology, accredits voting systems, and oversees the national voter registration form.
Experts warn of 'erosion of trust'
Political scientists said the sidelining of the commission ahead of the critical November midterm elections is alarming. Experts warned that such political interference in election administration bodies could undermine public confidence in election results, even if voting procedures remain unchanged. The symbolic impact of the decision could strengthen the impression that the executive branch is interfering in an independent agency.
Sharp backlash from Democrats, White House defends
The decision drew sharp criticism from Democratic officials and state election administrators. Adrian Fontes, Arizona's top election official, described the dismissal of the members as "irresponsible and dangerous," warning it could cause chaos for election workers and undermine the integrity of nonpartisan election administration.
The Trump administration and Republicans defended the move as part of efforts to restructure the election oversight system and increase accountability. The administration stressed that states will continue to run elections under their constitutional authority and that the absence of the commission will not prevent elections from being held or votes from being counted.
Future uncertain, states to be left without support
Although the Trump administration noted that the 2002 Help America Vote Act gives the president the authority to appoint new members, how the commission will be restructured and when new members will be appointed has not yet been announced. The appointment of new members is expected to take several months because it requires presidential nominations and Senate confirmation.
In the meantime, state and local officials will have to carry out preparations for the November midterm elections without the usual federal support and coordination. While supporters view the decision as a reform initiative for the election system, critics argue that the move damages the image of independence of election institutions amid increasing political polarization.
