The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for July 13, 2026
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
Just days after the U.S. Supreme Court decided that a president could remove personnel at most independent agencies without cause, the remaining commissioners at the U.S. Election Assistance Commission were removed by President Trump. Should we worry?
The EAC’s website says its mission is to help election officials improve the administration of elections and help Americans participate in the voting process. It works, QUOTE, tTo protect the nation’s election equipment, support election officials, serve voters, and ultimately help make elections safe, secure, accurate, and accessible.”
July 9th, two of its four commissioners were removed via email by President Trump without cause, and a third resigned. The fourth commissioner resigned in May. Replacements require a presidential nomination and Senate confirmation, but don’t hold your breath. The similarly-organized Federal Election Commission has only two of six bipartisan seats filled, rendering it inoperable since early 2025.
The Center for Democracy and Technology suggests EAC staff can function as is, but with no commissioners, can make no new policy or modify programs. But paired with FEC’s paralysis and the gutting of cybersecurity agency CISA, it does put the midterm at risk from foreign – or administration – election interference.
We’ve linked to more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Advancing Safe, Secure, Accurate, and Accessible Elections
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – EAC’s Commissioners (Prior to July 9)
Federal Election Commission – Commissioners (4 of 6 seats vacant)
Votebeat – Trump fires all Election Assistance Commission members, leaving agency unable to act
Center for Democracy and Technology – After the Firings, Election Officials Need a Plan B for the EAC
Just Security – What is the Election Assistance Commission With No Commissioners?
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – (2025) Like the FEC, the FCC Could Get Taken Over by Partisan Actors Under Executive Order 14215, Potentially Tilting the Election Playing Field
American Democracy Minute – (2026) Since 2018, CISA Helped States Harden Elections From Foreign Interference by Iran and Others. In 2025 Its Workforce & Funding was Cut.
Groups Taking Action:
CREW, States United Democracy Center, Verified Voting, Campaign Legal Center
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky Social, and SHARE!
Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org
Subscribe for FREE at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most podcasting platforms.
Are you a radio station? Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network’s Audioport and PRX
#Democracy #DemocracyNews #ProtectElections #EAC #ElectionInterference #PresidentialPowers