Trump Removes Election Commission Members Ahead Of Midterms
“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 White House said in a statement.
Reuters reported that administration officials had explored other avenues to implement election changes before the commissioners were removed.
Trump has repeatedly called on Congress to pass the SAVE Act, legislation that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
The removals also come after months of disagreements between the administration and the commission over election priorities, including proposals to require proof of U.S. citizenship for the federal mail voter registration form
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the move “a brazen attempt to seize control of our elections before a single vote is cast.”
“Donald Trump said Republicans should ‘take over the voting.’ Today, he took another step toward doing exactly that,” Schumer said.
BREAKING: The Trump White House just ousted all three sitting members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission — hamstringing the bipartisan agency ahead of the midterms.
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) July 10, 2026
The EAC helps state and local officials run elections, including by certifying election equipment.…
Donald Trump said Republicans should “take over the voting.” Today, he took another step toward doing exactly that.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 10, 2026
Firing every remaining member of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission months before the midterms is a brazen attempt to seize control of our elections… https://t.co/MlgKasRgtW
It remains unclear when Trump will nominate replacements or how quickly the Senate could act on confirmations, but until a quorum is restored, the Election Assistance Commission’s ability to approve new policies or major actions will remain significantly limited.
