Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) on Thursday sharply criticized President Trump’s decision to remove the remaining members of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission, calling it a “brazen attempt to seize control of our elections.” The move, which Schumer described as a direct fulfillment of Trump’s call for Republicans to “take over the voting,” has intensified partisan battles over election integrity ahead of the midterms.
“Donald Trump said Republicans should ‘take over the voting.’ Today, he took another step toward doing exactly that,” Schumer said in a statement. “Firing every remaining member of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission months before the midterms is a brazen attempt to seize control of our elections before a single vote is cast.”
The New York Democrat accused Trump of “gutting the independent agency that certifies voting systems and helps election officials run secure elections” and vowed that Democrats will “fight this power grab at every turn.” The commission, established to help states administer elections, sets voting equipment standards, tests and certifies voting machines, and provides funding for election improvements.
The Trump administration pushed out the three remaining commissioners—two Democrats who were fired and one Republican who resigned. The White House defended the action, asserting that the president has the authority to “remove individuals that may not be totally aligned with the important task of securing America’s elections and ensuring every legal vote is counted.” Officials cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. Slaughter, which expanded presidential power to dismiss commissioners at independent agencies.
Trump has repeatedly warned that the midterms could be marred by widespread fraud unless Congress passes the SAVE America Act, which would require documented proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo identification at the polls. Democrats have labeled the legislation “Jim Crow 2.0,” arguing it would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. They maintain that voter fraud is exceedingly rare and that Trump’s claims of rigged elections lack evidence.
The firings come amid broader Republican efforts to tighten election laws and increase oversight, moves that critics say are designed to suppress turnout. Schumer’s remarks echo concerns from voting rights groups that the administration is systematically dismantling safeguards. The episode also highlights ongoing tensions over election administration, with Trump’s team pushing for more aggressive federal action.
In related developments, a bipartisan House duo has demanded federal action on AI election risks ahead of the midterms, signaling that technology threats are also on lawmakers’ minds. Meanwhile, Trump’s broader political strategy continues to draw attention, as his shadow looms over the stale 2028 GOP primary.
Democrats are expected to challenge the firings in court and through legislative measures, though with a Republican-controlled Congress, the path forward remains uncertain. Schumer’s forceful response underscores the high stakes as both parties prepare for what promises to be a fiercely contested election season.
