Trump Looked to Bypass Federal Election Agency, Report Says

White House Aimed to Circumvent Election Agency, Report Indicates

Trump Looked to Bypass Federal Election – Jakarta, Tempo.CO – Reuters disclosed that the White House investigated ways to bypass the bipartisan federal election agency, potentially leveraging emergency measures to modify voting protocols ahead of this week’s removal of its leadership. According to individuals privy to the discussions, the administration sought alternatives to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) as part of its efforts to reshape election processes.

Challenges with the EAC

Among the grievances raised by the Trump administration against the EAC were: – A lag in updating state guidelines for voting machine standards – Resistance to implementing a citizenship verification requirement on the national mail registration form – Inaction on addressing election-related goals proposed by the administration

On Thursday, Trump ousted two Democratic members of the EAC, while the remaining Republican official resigned. A fourth commissioner had already left in April, leaving the agency functional but without a full voting quorum. This means it cannot approve new regulations or changes to election procedures.

The White House stated Friday that its focus was on “protecting elections from fraud and abuse” ahead of the November midterms. However, experts suggest this move may not affect the upcoming elections, especially following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that allows the president to dismiss independent agency board members without cause.

Proposal to Override EAC

Reuters noted that last year, White House officials examined a proposal from the Director of National Intelligence’s office to declare a national emergency and form a federal task force. This would have enabled changes to voting systems without involving the EAC. Despite the idea, it was never enacted.

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the White House engaged with EAC leaders to voice concerns, including unfounded claims of fraud in the 2020 election. Trump, who still asserts the election was stolen, has consistently pushed for nationwide voting rule adjustments, even though states hold primary authority over elections under the US Constitution.

Democrats Condemn Agency Targeting

Democrats criticized the move as an effort to expand White House control over elections. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the firings a “bold attempt to seize election governance before the midterms begin,” highlighting the urgency of the action.

Established in 2002 under President George W. Bush, the EAC oversees federal grants to states, supervises voting system testing, and manages the national voter registration form. Its removal from a position of influence raises concerns about its role in maintaining election integrity.

“A brazen attempt to seize control of our elections before a single vote is cast in the midterms.”