In a move that has sparked controversy, President Donald Trump removed Ellen Weintraub from her position as Commissioner and Chair of the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC) in a letter dated January 31. However, Weintraub is refusing to vacate her post, claiming that the removal is unlawful.
On Thursday, Weintraub publicly shared an image of the letter, in which Trump wrote: “Dear Commissioner Weintraub, You are hereby removed as a Member of the Federal Election Commission effective immediately.”
Shortly after posting the memo, Weintraub responded defiantly, stating, “Received a letter from POTUS today purporting to remove me as Commissioner & Chair of FEC.” She further accused Trump of violating legal protocols and hinted at continuing her work despite the dismissal.
Received a letter from POTUS today purporting to remove me as Commissioner & Chair of @FEC. 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. pic.twitter.com/7voecN2vpj
— Ellen L. Weintraub (@ellenlweintraub.bsky.social) (@EllenLWeintraub) February 6, 2025
“There’s a legal way to replace FEC commissioners—this isn’t it,” she wrote. “I’ve been lucky to serve the American people