President Donald Trump has officially dismissed Ellen Weintraub, the Chair and Commissioner of the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC). In a letter communicated to Weintraub, Trump stated that she is removed from her position, effective immediately.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has been reshaping the federal government significantly. This effort has involved sidelining and firing many high-ranking officials in various agencies as he seeks to bring in individuals who are more aligned with his policies and to reduce the overall size of the bureaucracy.
Weintraub, known for her strong stance and outspoken nature, was not expected to go quietly. In a social media post, she responded to her removal by expressing that there is a legal process for appointing new commissioners, implying that her dismissal was not carried out properly. She mentioned feeling fortunate to have served the American people and emphasized that her fight would continue.
The letter from the White House, dated January 31, 2025, acknowledged her removal and thanked her for her service.
Weintraub had previously criticized Trump for his allegations of voter fraud, claiming that such statements were harmful to democracy without valid proof to support them. Her statements and actions during her tenure often positioned her at odds with the Trump administration, particularly regarding election integrity.
The shake-up at the FEC underlines the Trump administration’s ongoing push to implement policies that resonate with its base while pushing back against perceived political adversaries. The focus on loyalty and alignment with Trump’s agenda continues to define his administration’s approach to staffing key positions in government.
