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Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
US President Donald Trump has removed the last two federal election officials serving on the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), according to reports from US media outlets. The move comes months before the 2026 midterm elections and has sparked criticism from Democratic leaders and election officials.
The bipartisan Election Assistance Commission, which helps support secure and accurate voting processes across the United States, is normally led by a four-member panel. However, the two Republican-appointed commissioners resigned earlier in 2026, leaving only two members who were selected by Democrats.
Reports said both remaining commissioners received emails on Thursday informing them that their positions had ended immediately. A White House official wrote to one commissioner: “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Commissioner of the Election Assistance Commission is terminated, effective immediately,” according to CNN.
The decision has drawn strong reactions from election officials and lawmakers. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes described the action as “irresponsible and dangerous,” while US Senator Mark Warner said removing every remaining commissioner shortly before the 2026 midterm elections should concern Americans across political parties.
The Election Assistance Commission was created in 2002 and plays a key role in certifying voting equipment and managing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal election support. The commission requires agreement from three of four members to approve actions, meaning filling the vacancies could take several months.
The White House defended the decision, saying the president “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 development follows disagreements between Donald Trump and the EAC over his push for proof of citizenship requirements on voter registration forms, a move that faced legal challenges.
Do you think changes to election oversight bodies so close to major elections strengthen or weaken public confidence?
