President Donald Trump has removed the remaining members of the bipartisan U.S. Election Assistance Commission, leaving the federal agency without any sitting commissioners months before the 2026 midterm elections.
Reuters reported that two Democratic commissioners were dismissed and one Republican commissioner resigned. The commission’s fourth seat had already been vacant since April. All three departing members had previously received unanimous Senate confirmation.
Created in 2002, the commission supports state and local election officials across the country. Its responsibilities include certifying voting systems, accrediting testing laboratories and maintaining the national mail voter registration form.
The White House said the changes were consistent with the administration’s election security priorities and recent legal precedent. The removals followed a Supreme Court ruling that expanded presidential authority over independent federal agencies.
Critics questioned the timing of the decision and raised concerns about possible disruption to election administration. It remains unclear when Trump will nominate replacements or how the commission will carry out its duties while every seat remains vacant.