Trump fires final two US election commissioners ahead of 2026 midterms polls

US President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed the final two serving commissioners of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the independent federal agency responsible for helping ensure secure and reliable elections, according to US media reports.The EAC is designed to function as a bipartisan body headed by four commissioners. However, the two Republican-appointed members resigned earlier this year, leaving only the two Democratic-appointed commissioners. Both were informed of their dismissal through emails sent on Thursday, USA Today reported.According to CNN, one of the emails from a White House official stated, “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.”The move sparked criticism from Democratic leaders and election officials, who argued that removing the agency’s remaining commissioners so close to the 2026 midterm elections could disrupt election administration.Arizona secretary of state Adrian Fontes described the decision as “irresponsible and dangerous.”“This administration remains dead set on causing chaos for our election officials across the country,” he said in a press release.Virginia Senator Mark Warner also condemned the dismissals, saying they “should concern every American regardless of party,” before adding that “removing every remaining commissioner just months before the 2026 midterm elections is an extraordinary step that demands an immediate explanation from the administration.”Michael Waldman, chief executive of the Brennan Center for Justice, called the dismissals “deeply concerning in light of President Trump’s relentless efforts to try to interfere in elections.”He said Congress had deliberately structured the EAC as a bipartisan body by limiting membership to no more than two commissioners from the same political party.Established in 2002, the commission is responsible for certifying voting systems and overseeing the distribution of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to support elections across the United States.Trump has previously clashed with the agency over his executive order directing it to introduce proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration forms. Much of that directive was later blocked by the courts.The commission requires the support of at least three of its four commissioners to approve official actions. With all commissioner positions now vacant, restoring the body’s ability to function could take months as new appointments are made.Defending the decision, the White House said 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.”