President Trump Ousts Election Assistance Commission Members as Democrats Blast Move

President Trump ousted the three remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC).

The firings come days after the Supreme Court expanded the president's authority to remove members of certain independent agencies.

According to reports, the president fired commissioners Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland, both Democrats. A third member –Republican Christy McCormick –was allowed to resign. A fourth commissioner –Republican Don Palmer– resigned earlier this year. 

The firings leave the four-member commission with no commissioners, meaning it cannot take official action until new members are installed. Commissioners must be confirmed by the Senate. By law, no more than two can come from a single political party. 

Hovland later said that it would be “challenging to operate without commissioners or a quorum” but added that “There is a great team there and they’ll keep doing this work” with just months to go before the midterm elections. 

Helping with Election Administration 

The EAC– which was created by Congress after the 2000 election– plays a supporting role in helping states improve election administration. Its activities include distributing federal election funds, testing and certifying voting systems, offering guidance, and maintaining the national mail voter registration form. 

The White House defended the move and referenced the court’s decision in Trump v. Slaughter. The ruling addressed presidential authority to remove members of certain independent boards, a question that has been at the center of recent disputes over executive power.

"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," said a White House statement to AP.

Congressional Democrats criticized the firings. 

“(President) Trump continues to double down on his efforts to erode trust in our elections, undermine independent oversight, and further his Administration’s attempt to ‘take over’ elections. Americans deserve elections that are safe, secure, and run free from political interference,” said Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Rep. Joseph Morelle (D-NY) in a joint statement, ranking Democrats on committees overseeing federal elections.