The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for July 15, 2026
We’ve reported on the shocking removal of three commissioners from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. But it’s not the only federal agency with election oversight to be hamstrung by the Trump administration.
EAC staff will continue to test election machines and assist states with election administration infrastructure, though without commissioners, there can be no program changes.
CISA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, was also hollowed out by the administration. From February to November 2025 an estimated 1,000 CISA employees were cut, including many with responsibilities for protecting the nation’s election infrastructure from attacks by Iran, Russia and China.
With only two of six of its commissioners, the Federal Election Commission, feckless in the best of times, can’t enforce campaign finance rules.
If an election crime occurs, NOTUS reported June 6th that the Trump DOJ recently canceled election-protection training sessions for prosecutors and FBI agents, removed a guide to prosecuting election crimes, and fired lawyers in its Public Integrity Section. The position of director of its Election Crimes Branch remains vacant, and there’s still no plan for a 2026 election command center. The election crimes unit still has no director.
With election interference concerns rising, state and local election officials are making their own plans for election protection. More in an upcoming report. Find more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Campaign Legal Center – What Role Does the Federal Government Play in Our Elections?
Bipartisan Policy Center – The Federal Role in U.S. Elections Visualized
Brennan Center for Justice – Threat of Foreign Influence on U.S. Elections Remain as Federal Defenses Recede
U.S. Director of National Intelligence – (2024 – Biden Administration) Federal Executive Branch Agencies Roles and Responsibilities in United States Elections
NOTUS via Spotlight PA – 2026 midterms poised to have less federal oversight as Trump admin defangs election watchdog
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – U.S. Election Assistance Commission Members Removed Days After SCOTUS Expands Presidential Power Over Independent Agencies
American Democracy Minute – Since 2018, CISA Helped States Harden Elections From Foreign Interference by Iran and Others. In 2025 Its Workforce & Funding was Cut.
Groups Taking Action:
Protect Democracy, Issue One, CREW
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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