This was shocking accusation to make.
Former White House attorney Ty Cobb is warning that President Donald Trump’s latest personnel changes at a federal election agency could spark renewed debate over the role of the executive branch in overseeing U.S. elections ahead of the 2026 midterm cycle.
During an appearance on MSNBC’s MS NOW on Friday, Cobb argued that Trump’s decision to remove the remaining Democratic members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) represents what he believes is a broader effort to reshape the federal government’s role in election administration.
“You can’t look at the termination of the Election Assistance Commission as anything other than another effort by one side to try to take over part of the referee role for the elections,” Cobb said during the interview.
White House Defends the Decision
The White House announced Thursday that President Trump had removed Democratic commissioners Benjamin Hovland and Thomas Hicks from the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission.
Administration officials said the action was supported by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling commonly referred to as the Slaughter decision. In that 6-3 ruling, the Court concluded that the president generally has authority to remove leaders of many independent executive agencies, narrowing longstanding protections that had limited presidential removal power.
A White House official defended the move in a statement.
“The President, as head of the Executive Branch, reserves the right to remove individuals who may not be fully aligned with the important task of securing America’s elections and ensuring every legal vote is counted.”
Officials also cited the Supreme Court ruling as legal authority for the dismissals.
Meanwhile, Republican commissioner Christy McCormick also resigned this week, leaving the commission with significant vacancies.
What Is the Election Assistance Commission?
Congress established the Election Assistance Commission in 2002 following the passage of the Help America Vote Act.
Although the agency does not administer elections directly, it plays an important supporting role by working with state and local election officials.
Its responsibilities include:
- Providing grants to states for election improvements.
- Offering guidance and training to election administrators.
- Certifying voting equipment used across the country.
- Maintaining the national mail voter registration form.
- Conducting research on election administration and best practices.
Because elections are primarily managed by individual states, the commission’s authority is limited compared with state election offices.
Critics Express Concern
Trump’s decision drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers, voting-rights organizations, and some former government officials, who argued that removing bipartisan commissioners could weaken confidence in the commission’s independence.
Democratic strategist David Axelrod wrote on social media that the dismissals were another warning sign regarding federal election oversight.
Election experts have noted, however, that the immediate practical impact on the 2026 midterm elections may be limited because most election administration decisions remain under state control.
Election Integrity Remains a Top Priority
Election security has remained a central focus of the Trump administration.
Since returning to office, the administration has proposed several election-related initiatives, including tighter controls on mail-in voting, expanded access to state voter registration data, and requirements for proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
Supporters argue that these measures are intended to strengthen election integrity, increase public confidence, and ensure that only eligible citizens cast ballots.
Opponents contend that some of the proposals could create additional barriers for eligible voters and have challenged several of the administration’s actions in federal court.
Multiple lawsuits involving election policy have already been dismissed or remain under review, underscoring the ongoing legal debate surrounding federal authority over elections.
Cobb Warns About Long-Term Implications
Cobb, who served as a White House attorney during Trump’s first term before later becoming a frequent critic of the president, said he believes personnel changes across federal agencies deserve close attention.
While acknowledging that federal courts have acted as an important check on executive authority in several recent cases, Cobb argued that installing officials who closely support the administration’s priorities could have lasting effects beyond any single legal dispute.
“I don’t think we can be sanguine about the elections because he is stacking every card in the deck that he can get his hands on,” Cobb said.
Looking Ahead
The future composition of the Election Assistance Commission—and the broader debate over presidential authority over independent agencies—is likely to remain a closely watched issue as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Supporters of the administration maintain that the president is exercising lawful executive authority while pursuing policies aimed at strengthening election security.
Critics argue that preserving bipartisan oversight is essential to maintaining public confidence in the election system.
With ongoing court challenges, continued political debate, and renewed attention on election administration, the role of federal agencies in overseeing America’s voting process is expected to remain a significant issue in the months ahead.