The White House explored various options for bypassing the federal Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and utilizing emergency powers to enforce changes to voting machines before President Donald Trump removed the agency’s leadership last Thursday, according to four individuals familiar with the matter. The efforts arose from frustrations within the administration over what some officials viewed as the commission’s slow response in updating national guidelines for voting systems. There were also appeals to introduce a proof-of-citizenship requirement for the nationwide mail voter registration form and address other election-related priorities.

Trump dismissed the EAC’s two Democratic commissioners and allowed the sole Republican commissioner to resign, effectively leaving the bipartisan agency without a quorum. A fourth commissioner had departed earlier in April. Without a quorum, the commission cannot adopt new policies, which hampers its ability to update voting procedures or the mail registration form. It remains unclear whether and when new commissioners will be appointed.

The White House declined to specify the timing of the firings but cited a June Supreme Court ruling that expanded presidential authority to remove members of independent agencies. A statement issued Thursday noted the president’s prerogative to remove individuals deemed insufficiently aligned with the mission to secure U.S. elections. Officials emphasized their ongoing commitment to guard elections against fraud and abuse, highlighting investment in infrastructure ahead of the midterm elections in November.

Democratic leaders have condemned the ousters as an attempt to assert control over election administration, which is typically managed by states, and a move that could undermine election integrity ahead of a critical vote that will determine Congressional control. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the action as a “brazen attempt to seize control” of the electoral process by weakening the independent agency responsible for certifying voting systems and aiding election officials.

According to sources, as early as last fall, White House officials considered recommendations from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to declare a national emergency and establish a federal task force with authority to compel states to address vulnerabilities in voting machines, circumventing the EAC. These discussions were prompted by an ongoing EAC investigation into voting machines seized from Puerto Rico, which ODNI officials believed contained flaws potentially present in other jurisdictions. Despite these concerns, the report was never released, and the recommended federal emergency declaration was not pursued.

During this period, representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, ODNI, and the White House met with EAC leaders to express their concerns, including unsubstantiated claims that machine flaws contributed to abnormalities in the 2020 election. The commission’s role includes setting voting machine guidelines and certifying systems used nationwide. Some Trump administration officials argued that certain states continue to operate outdated software.

Election experts noted the inherent complexity of updating voting system guidelines, which typically involves lengthy processes and extensive public input. Matt Weil, vice president of governance at the Bipartisan Policy Center and former EAC staffer, explained that the commission’s perceived slowness is a function of thorough procedures rather than inefficiency.

Although the commission currently lacks a quorum to enact new policies, its remaining staff continue to test and certify voting equipment, publish research, and distribute federal grants to support election administration.