Federal Election Commission Chair Says Trump Has Moved to Fire Her
New York TimesFEB 8
Trump Moves to Fire FEC Chair Weintraub
Above: Ellen Weintraub in 2023. Image copyright: Carlos Osorio/Contributor/Sportsfile for Collision via Getty Images
The Facts
US Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chair Ellen Weintraub on Thursday revealed that she received a letter from Pres. Donald Trump dated Jan. 31, 2025, stating she was being removed from her position effective immediately. She says the dismissal is not legally valid.
Weintraub, who has served as an FEC commissioner since 2002 and whose term technically expired in 2007, has remained on the commission in a holdover status because no replacement has been nominated and confirmed by the US Senate.
The FEC consists of six commissioners, with no more than three allowed from the same political party. It currently has three Democrats, two Republicans, and one vacant seat.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Weintraub must be removed as part of the Trump administration's reforming of the bloated government bureaucracy. She has overstayed her term and it's time for fresh leadership and new perspectives in this crucial oversight role.
Democratic narrative
This is an attempt at an illegal firing that threatens the independence of a crucial watchdog agency. Trump must follow proper procedures if he wants to legitimately fire Weintraub, although it looks more like he's exacting revenge on her.