Donald Trump fires last two US election commissioners ahead of 2026 midterm elections World News
President of the United States Donald Trump The last two sitting commissioners of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the independent federal agency responsible for helping ensure safe and secure elections, were fired on Thursday, US media reported.The EAC is designed to operate as a bipartisan body headed by four commissioners. However, two Republican-appointed commissioners resigned earlier this year, leaving only two Democratic appointees. Both men learned of the firings via email on Thursday, USA Today reported.“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Commissioner of the Election Assistance Commission has been terminated, effective immediately,” one of the emails from a White House official said, according to CNN.The move prompted criticism from Democratic leaders and election officials who argued that removing the agency’s remaining commissioners so close to the 2026 midterm elections could disrupt election administration.Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes called the decision “irresponsible and dangerous.”“This administration remains hell-bent on causing chaos for election officials across the country,” he said in a release.Virginia Sen. Mark Warner also condemned the firings, saying “this incident should concern every American, regardless of party affiliation,” before adding, “Removing all remaining commissioners just months before the 2026 midterm elections is an extraordinary step that requires an immediate explanation from the administration.”Michael Waldman, CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice, called the firings “deeply concerning given President Trump’s relentless attempts to interfere with the election.”He said Congress deliberately structured the EAC as a bipartisan body, limiting membership to no more than two commissioners from the same political party.The commission, established in 2002, certifies voting systems and oversees the distribution of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds to support elections across the United States.Trump has previously clashed with the agency over his executive order directing it to introduce a proof of citizenship requirement on voter registration forms. Much of that directive was later blocked by the courts.The committee requires the support of at least three of its four commissioners to approve official action. With all commissioner positions currently vacant, restoring the agency’s operational capacity could take months as new appointments are made.The White House defended the decision, saying the president “reserves the right to remove individuals who may not be fully aligned with the important mission of securing America’s elections and making sure every legal vote is counted.”
