Federal Election Commission Faces Crises Amid Resignations and Trump’s Moves

Washington, D.C. — The Federal Election Commission is losing its enforcement powers after the resignation of Republican Commissioner Allen Dickerson on Wednesday. His exit, coming just months after President Donald Trump fired a long-serving Democratic commissioner, leaves the FEC with only three members, which is not enough to establish a quorum.

During an FEC public meeting, Dickerson announced his resignation. His term was set to expire this week, but other commissioners have previously stayed beyond their terms. The commission, which requires at least four members to conduct its business, now faces limitations in its operations.

The FEC’s challenges coincide with Trump’s broader efforts to reshape independent federal agencies. This year, he has also diminished the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the National Labor Relations Board, pressing forward with a strategy to reduce diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the federal government.

The White House has not provided details on when it will nominate replacements for the FEC positions, which need Senate approval. The commission has faced operational issues before, including during the 2020 presidential campaign, due to partisan disagreements.

In February, Trump issued an executive order seeking greater oversight of the FEC and other independent bodies, pushing a controversial approach to presidential power over the executive branch. The order restricts executive branch employees from interpreting laws contrary to the president’s or the attorney general’s views.

Adav Noti, executive director of the Campaign Legal Center, expressed concern about the vacancies at a crucial time. He urged the Senate to thoroughly evaluate any potential nominees to ensure they prioritize independent enforcement of campaign finance laws. “It’s terrible to have a non-functioning FEC,” Noti stated. “But, between having a non-functioning FEC and an FEC that the president can use to prosecute his political opponents, it’s probably better that they not have their quorum for now.”

Moreover, the Democratic National Committee has launched a lawsuit against Trump’s executive order, warning it threatens fair electoral processes and may influence the handling of FEC complaints against Democrats.