Authority over election watchdog's enforcement actions shifts toward Trump, stripping its power to check his moves
Farewell to FEC's Enforcement Powers:
The federal agency responsible for regulating campaign finance is taking a significant hit with the departure of a Republican commissioner. Allen Dickerson called it quits on Wednesday, joining Ellen Weintraub, who was booted out by President Trump in February. This leaves the Federal Election Commission (FEC) woefully short-staffed, with only three members and failing to reach a quorum.
These resignations follow the departure of another commissioner, Sean Cooksey, who stepped down in January. Now, the FEC is left battered and broken, unable to move forward on major decisions without four members.
Dickerson announced his exit during a meeting of the FEC panel on Wednesday, with his term expiring this week. Previously, some commissioners, such as Weintraub, have remained with the FEC even after their terms have expired.
The FEC becomes the latest casualty in Trump's crusade to seize control over independent government agencies. Trump's dismissals this year have stripped the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the National Labor Relations Board of their quorums, as he endeavors to reshape the federal workforce and dismantle programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
The White House has yet to respond to inquiries about replacing the vacant positions at the FEC, which requires Senators' approval to fill. The FEC operates with an equal number of commissioners from both parties.
The FEC, a notoriously polarized body, has lost its enforcement capabilities on multiple occasions, including during extended periods during the 2020 presidential campaign. A legal battle is underway over Trump's attempts to wield greater influence over the agency's decision-making. In February, he issued an executive order stipulating a White House review of regulations at the FEC, as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission and other independent agencies.
This order also prohibits executive branch employees from interpreting laws in ways that conflict with the President or the Attorney General's views. Adav Noti, Executive Director of the Campaign Legal Center, expressed concern over the current state of the FEC, particularly in light of Trump's recent actions. He implored the Senate to carefully vet any potential nominees to ensure they remain independent in their enforcement of campaign finance laws.
"An inactive FEC is terrible," Noti admitted. "However, an FEC at the mercy of the President to prosecute political adversaries is far worse." He went on to suggest that holding off on nominating replacements for the FEC might be preferable for now.
The Democratic National Committee and Congressional party campaign arms have filed a lawsuit challenging Trump's order, arguing that it endangers fair elections and gives Trump the power to settle FEC complaints against Democrats.
- The departure of a Republican commissioner, Allen Dickerson, has probably weakened the Federal Election Commission (FEC) further, as earlier, Ellen Weintraub was ousted by President Trump.
- In light of the departure of commissioners, the FEC struggles to mandate policies and legislation, especially during periods of critical general news, such as the 2020 presidential campaign.
- The FEC's panel, traditionally polarized, may face challenges in enforcing policy-and-legislation, with commissioners like Weintraub and potentially Dickerson leaving vacant positions.
- Commissioners from both parties are essential for the FEC's operations; however, the White House has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the replacement of the vacancies, which requires Senators' approval to fill.
