Trump removes two Democratic members from Election Assistance Commission
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President Donald Trump dismissed the two Democratic commissioners of the Election Assistance Commission, citing a Supreme Court decision that allows the president to fire members of independent agencies without cause.
President Donald Trump on Friday removed the two Democratic members of the Election Assistance Commission, a bipartisan agency that distributes federal election grants and oversees voting system testing. The White House said the action follows the Supreme Court's recent ruling that gives the president authority to dismiss officials of independent agencies.
The dismissed commissioners were Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland. Republican member Christy McCormick had already resigned, and former Republican commissioner Donald Palmer left earlier this year. The White House did not specify a reason for the removals, and it is unclear whether the president will nominate replacements.
"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. The Slaughter decision gives the President precedence to do so," the White House statement said.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the move, saying it undermines an independent safeguard of election integrity. Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Joe Morelle described the dismissals as a politicization of the voting process.
Legal experts noted that the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision in the Slaughter case expands presidential power over independent agency boards, a precedent that could be tested if the former commissioners challenge their removal.
The Election Assistance Commission was created by the 2002 Help America Vote Act and is required to have two Democrats and two Republicans. The agency's ability to award grants and oversee voting system certification could be affected if the vacancies remain unfilled ahead of the November midterm elections.