Photo via CNBC
The Trump administration has removed members from the Election Assistance Commission, according to CNBC. The White House justified the action by referencing a recent Supreme Court decision that expanded presidential authority to dismiss independent agency officials, specifically citing precedent from the FTC Commissioner Louise Slaughter case.
The timing of the removals, occurring months before the midterm elections, has drawn scrutiny from observers concerned about the independence of election administration bodies. The Election Assistance Commission, a bipartisan panel, plays a role in testing and certifying voting equipment and providing guidance to states on election administration.
The action underscores broader questions about the scope of executive removal power and its implications for the independence of federal agencies tasked with overseeing critical governmental functions.