Story perspectives

Trump Fires Last Democrats, Leaves Election Commission Empty

7/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump removed the two remaining Democratic commissioners of the Election Assistance Commission, leaving the agency empty after the lone Republican commissioner resigned.
The White House had explored a national emergency to bypass the commission before the dismissals.
Without a quorum, the commission cannot approve new federal election grants or certify voting equipment.
Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Mark Warner called the firings a power grab, warning of grant delays.

History

Historical Context

George W. Bush’s 537-vote win over Al Gore in Florida was sealed by the Supreme Court’s Bush v. Gore ruling on Dec 12, 2000. Congress then passed the 2002 Help America Vote Act, allocating $3.5 billion and establishing the Election Assistance Commission. In 2024, Donald Trump removed the two remaining Democratic commissioners, leaving the EAC without a quorum and reviving the post-2000 power struggle.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump removed the two remaining Democratic commissioners of the Election Assistance Commission, leaving the agency empty after the lone Republican commissioner resigned.
The White House had explored a national emergency to bypass the commission before the dismissals.
Without a quorum, the commission cannot approve new federal election grants or certify voting equipment.
Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Mark Warner called the firings a power grab, warning of grant delays.

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