Before the election, Trump fired members of the Federal Election Commission
U.S. President Donald Trump has fired the remaining members of the bipartisan federal commission that helps organize and conduct elections. As a result, the body—established by Congress in 2002—has effectively been left without leadership on the eve of the midterm elections.
The article states that this move is apparently aimed at establishing control over the voting process ahead of the midterm elections.
According to a White House official and three other sources, on Thursday Trump fired two members (Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Howland) of the Election Assistance Commission who were Democrats, while one Republican member, Christie McCormick, was allowed to resign.
Politico reports that this move by the White House leaves the commission, established by Congress in 2002, without leadership on the eve of the midterm elections. The EAC, headquartered in Washington, D.C., does not process ballots or voter rolls, does not typically interact with voters, and has no authority over state election officials. However, it works to improve the voting process nationwide.
This agency serves as a coordination center for election officials, assisting with their training and providing information on the latest voting technologies. It is also responsible for the national mail-in voter registration form—which Trump attempted to change last year via an executive order—and oversees a voluntary testing and certification program for various voting machines. In addition, the EAC distributes grants to ensure election security.
This was reported with reference to Politico.
Trump stated that the U.S. will purchase Ukrainian drones.
Also, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Spain ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, declaring his intention to sever trade relations and halt visits between the two countries.
Before the start of the NATO summit in Ankara, U.S. President Donald Trump once again accused allies of underfunding the Alliance, while praising the work of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
