Trump Removes Remaining Election Assistance Commission Members Ahead of Midterms
President Donald Trump has removed the remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission, leaving all four seats on the independent federal board vacant four months before the 2026 midterm elections.
The White House confirmed that Trump fired the commission’s two Democratic members, Chairman Thomas Hicks and former Chairman Benjamin Hovland. Hovland had been nominated by Trump during his first term. Republican Commissioner Christy McCormick also resigned, following the April resignation of Republican Commissioner Donald Palmer.
A White House official said the President has the authority to remove officials who may not be aligned with his administration’s efforts to secure elections and ensure that legal votes are counted. The official cited a recent Supreme Court ruling, Trump v. Slaughter, which expanded presidential authority to dismiss leaders of independent agencies.
The Election Assistance Commission was created by Congress in 2002 under the Help America Vote Act. It assists state and local election officials by certifying voting systems, maintaining the national voter registration form, distributing federal grants, issuing guidelines, and sharing election administration best practices. The commission is designed to be bipartisan, with no more than two members from the same party, and official action generally requires approval from at least three commissioners.
It is unclear whether Trump will nominate replacements or how the agency will function if its seats remain vacant.
The removals drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers and voting-rights organizations. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the action an effort to take control of elections. Sen. Mark Warner said the move raised concerns about political interference in election institutions. Other Democratic officials and advocacy groups warned that the absence of commissioners could disrupt support for state and local election administrators.
The White House said the administration is working with federal agencies and local partners to prevent fraud and strengthen election infrastructure. Trump has repeatedly argued for tighter voting rules, including limits on mail voting and stricter voter identification requirements.