WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump has removed the last three members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, ending the tenure of every remaining commissioner on the independent federal panel that supports election officials across the country. The move comes as the administration pushes for a greater federal role in election oversight ahead of the November midterm elections.
The White House confirmed the changes on Thursday. According to people familiar with the decision, one Republican commissioner resigned, while two Democratic commissioners received termination notices from the White House Presidential Personnel Office. The action leaves the commission without any sitting members and raises fresh questions about its future.
The Election Assistance Commission plays a key role in helping state and local officials manage elections. It also certifies voting systems, accredits testing laboratories, and maintains the national mail voter registration form created under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
The White House defended the decision and pointed to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that expanded presidential authority to remove members of independent federal agencies. Administration officials said the ruling supports the president’s actions.
A termination email reviewed by Reuters informed commissioners that their positions ended immediately. The message thanked them for their service and stated that the decision came on behalf of President Donald Trump.
Soon after, a White House official said the president has the authority to remove officials who are not fully aligned with the administration’s goal of protecting U.S. elections. The official also said the administration continues to work with federal agencies and local election partners to prevent fraud, strengthen election systems, and ensure that every legal vote counts during the upcoming midterm elections.
The decision comes as Trump and senior administration officials continue to advocate changes to election rules. In recent months, they have called for stricter vote-by-mail requirements and greater federal involvement in election procedures. Traditionally, however, states oversee and administer elections under U.S. law.
At the same time, the administration has continued to examine the results of the 2020 presidential election. Trump has repeatedly claimed, without providing evidence, that the election was unfair. Former President Joe Biden defeated Trump in that race, and election officials, courts, and independent reviews found no evidence of widespread fraud that changed the outcome.
Congress created the Election Assistance Commission in 2002 through the Help America Vote Act. Lawmakers established the agency after the disputed 2000 presidential election to improve election administration across the country. The commission operates as a bipartisan body with four members. By law, two commissioners must belong to each major political party. In addition, the U.S. Senate must confirm every appointment.
The three departing commissioners included Thomas Hicks, Benjamin Hovland, and Christy McCormick. The Senate had unanimously confirmed all three during their appointments. Their departures now leave the commission without the leadership needed to carry out many of its official responsibilities.
Although the law allows the president to nominate replacement commissioners, it remains unclear when that process will begin. Any new nominees would still require Senate confirmation before taking office. As a result, the commission could remain without members for an extended period if nominations or confirmations face delays.
Election experts have closely watched the commission because of its role in setting voluntary voting system guidelines and providing technical support to election officials. While the agency does not run elections, its certifications and guidance influence election administration across the United States.
The timing of the dismissals has also drawn attention because the country is preparing for the November midterm elections. Election officials across several states continue to update voting equipment, train workers, and prepare polling locations. Many also rely on guidance and resources developed by the Election Assistance Commission.
For now, the White House maintains that the administration acted within its legal authority. Meanwhile, questions remain about how quickly the commission can return to full operation and whether new commissioners will receive Senate approval before the next major federal election. Until then, the future direction of the Election Assistance Commission remains uncertain as election preparations continue across the nation.
