Trump Fires Final Election Assistance Commission Members Before Midterms

President Donald Trump terminated the final three members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) on July 9, 2026. Democratic commissioners Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland were fired via email, while Republican commissioner Christy McCormick resigned upon request. This follows the April departure of Republican Donald Palmer, leaving the four-seat agency completely vacant.

The White House justified the removals by citing the Supreme Court's ruling in Trump v. Slaughter, which expanded presidential authority to dismiss leaders of independent agencies without cause. The administration stated the president reserves the right to remove individuals who are not "totally aligned" with the mission of securing elections and ensuring legal votes are counted. The move follows the EAC's resistance to a March 2025 executive order requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Because the EAC requires at least three commissioners to take official action, the agency cannot currently certify voting systems, distribute federal funds, or update election guidance. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the move as a "brazen attempt to seize control of our elections," while the NAACP and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes described the action as dangerous. Conversely, some Republicans argued the EAC had previously enabled weak standards and defended vulnerable voting machines.

While the agency continues to function through its remaining staff of approximately 65 employees, the lack of a quorum means no new rules or policies can be established until the president nominates new members for Senate confirmation.