Trump’s Unexpected EAC Dismissals Stir Democratic Outcry Ahead of Midterms
In a surprising political maneuver, President Trump has dismissed the remaining members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), a decision that has sparked immediate backlash from Democrats and voting rights groups as the midterm elections approach.
The news of these dismissals was circulated by a state election officials association on Thursday. A White House official defended the action, stating the president “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.” This follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Slaughter case, which grants the president more latitude in removing members of independent federal agencies.
This move comes amid ongoing efforts by Trump to influence election procedures in novel ways. His 2025 executive order aimed to introduce a proof-of-citizenship requirement for federal voter registration—a proposal blocked by the courts for overstepping presidential powers.
The EAC, born from the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), plays a crucial role in certifying voting systems and offering guidance for election administration. The agency’s four commissioners, evenly split across party lines, are presidential appointees confirmed by the Senate. Earlier this year, Republican Don Palmer left the EAC, leaving Democrats Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland, and Republican Christy McCormick, who has now resigned following Trump’s actions.
Democratic leaders such as Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Joe Morelle have criticized Trump’s dismissals, arguing they undermine election integrity by “purging commissioners just months before the midterm elections.” They view these actions as part of a strategy to politicize and potentially interfere with elections.
Michael Waldman, president and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice, expressed alarm over the dismissals, which he sees as part of Trump’s ongoing attempts to influence elections. “These removals leave the agency without leadership and unable to carry out its major responsibilities,” Waldman stated.
Matt Weil of the Bipartisan Policy Center highlighted the unprecedented nature of Trump’s dismissals, calling it a “significant loss” for a rare federal institution structured around bipartisan cooperation.
As the EAC faces this leadership vacuum, questions persist regarding its future role and effectiveness in ensuring fair and secure elections across the United States.
