Trump Accused of Targeting US Election Agency
US President Donald Trump has faced accusations of attempting to influence the 2026 midterm elections after removing the remaining leadership of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission. The White House defended the action as a lawful exercise of presidential authority.
Trump Removes Election Assistance Commissioners
Trump dismissed Democratic commissioners Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland from the Election Assistance Commission. Republican commissioner Christy McCormick also left her position, leaving the agency without any serving commissioners.
The EAC is separate from the Federal Election Commission, which oversees campaign finance. It assists state and local authorities with election administration, voting-system standards, federal grants and voter-registration forms.
The commission can continue some routine operations through its staff, but the absence of commissioners restricts its ability to approve new policies or update existing election standards.
Democrats Accuse Trump of Election Interference
Democratic lawmakers and voting-rights organisations described the removals as an attempt to gain greater control over election administration before the November 2026 midterms.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of trying to weaken independent election oversight. However, no evidence has been presented showing that the dismissals have altered votes or election results.
US elections are primarily administered by state and local governments rather than the White House.
White House Defends Election Commission Firings
The White House said a recent Supreme Court ruling expanded the president’s authority to dismiss officials serving on independent federal agencies.
The EAC had previously resisted parts of Trump’s effort to require documentary proof of US citizenship for federal voter registration.
It remains unclear when the administration will nominate replacement commissioners. Any nominees would require Senate confirmation before joining the bipartisan agency.
