A Federal Agency Stripped of Authority
President Donald Trump ordered the removal of all three remaining commissioners of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) on July 9, 2026. The directive leaves the federal agency responsible for election administration entirely without leadership or a quorum. This action, enabled by the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. Slaughter, effectively strips the commission of its ability to make official decisions as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
The Mechanics of a Paralyzed Commission
The EAC is legally bound to maintain a quorum of three confirmed commissioners to conduct its mandate. With the departure of Democratic commissioners Benjamin Hovland and Thomas Hicks, and the resignation of Republican commissioner Christy McCormick, the agency is now functionally dormant. The Brennan Center for Justice notes that Congress designed the EAC as a bipartisan body—limiting party representation to two members per side—to ensure nonpartisan oversight. Without a quorum, the commission is barred from adopting new policies or taking any formal action on federal election administration.
Dismantling Decades of Independent Oversight
The administration’s purge of the EAC relies on the legal authority granted by Trump v. Slaughter. The ruling dismantled nearly 90 years of precedent that previously shielded independent agencies from direct presidential control. Election law expert Rick Hasen and other observers warn that the administration may now weaponize this vacancy to reshape federal election procedures. Specifically, there is concern that the executive branch could direct the headless agency to amend the federal voter registration form to mandate documentary proof of citizenship—a policy goal previously blocked by federal courts.
State Officials and Watchdogs Sound Alarm
The removal has sparked sharp backlash from state officials and accountability groups. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes labeled the action "irresponsible and dangerous," arguing it undermines the integrity of nonpartisan election administration. However, others are working to contextualize the impact. Public Citizen co-president Lisa Gilbert emphasized that while the EAC serves an important role, the core of the voting process remains decentralized. "It is important for voters to know that states and localities, not the EAC, run our elections," Gilbert said.
The Broader Push for Federal Control
This administrative purge mirrors a wider legislative strategy. The administration is simultaneously backing the SAVE America Act, which aims to force nationwide changes to voter registration and eligibility requirements. As the 2026 midterms loom, these combined efforts have intensified the national debate over the balance of power between federal and state control of the ballot box.