Trump fires election chief but she won’t leave

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President Trump has dismissed Ellen Weintraub, the Democratic Commissioner and Chair of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), though she’s refusing to step down from her position, claiming the termination is not legally valid.

Weintraub, who assumed the role of chair in December 2024, maintains that proper protocol requires presidential nomination and Senate confirmation of a successor before any commissioner can be replaced.

Responding to her dismissal on X, Weintraub wrote: “Received a letter from POTUS today purporting to remove me as Commissioner & Chair. There’s a legal way to replace FEC commissioners — this isn’t it. I’ve been lucky to serve the American people & stir up some good trouble along the way. That’s not changing anytime soon.”

RE: U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC) Commissioner Ellen Weintraub

Her termination letter from DJT is classic Trump! 😄

Oh, and she's refusing to leave office claiming her being fired is illegal.

Wanna bet, lady?
Trump is the Executive Branch.
Pack yo' sh*t. pic.twitter.com/A2JHvaA8pz

— AwakenedOutlaw⚒️ (@AwakenedOutlaw) February 7, 2025

The termination letter from the White House, dated January 31, 2025, stated: “Dear Commissioner Weintraub, You are hereby removed as a Member of the Federal Election Commission, effective immediately. Thank you for your service on the Commission.”

The conflict between Weintraub and Trump has a contentious history. In 2019, she publicly challenged Trump’s voter fraud allegations, appearing on CNN to express her concerns. During the interview, she stated: “I think it is damaging to our democracy to spread information like that if there is no proof.”

Throughout her tenure, Weintraub has been a persistent critic of the former president, consistently maintaining there was no evidence supporting his claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2016 election. Her actions as commissioner included voting to investigate various allegations against Trump, including potential campaign coordination with super PACs and Russian interference in the 2016 election.

🟫 FEC Commissioner Ellen Weintraub
Trump Removes Her ‘Effective Immediately’.
She is an attorney and shares the notice with the public. It sounds that she will fight against the dismissal.

Watch: https://t.co/BnfESetd3W pic.twitter.com/FYaxNCmJUZ

— Jasmine (@morningjasmine2) February 7, 2025

Additionally, she supported investigations into whether Trump used his 2016 campaign events to promote his personal business interests, including his hotels, golf courses, and other ventures.

Under standard procedures, FEC commissioners serve six-year terms following presidential appointment and Senate confirmation.