'This isn't it': FEC head thumbs nose at Trump after letter informs her of ouster

Daniel Hampton
February 6, 2025 

RAW STORY

Federal Election Commission logo on smartphone screen against the background of the USA flag. (Photo credit: PalSand / Shutterstock)

The Democratic chair of the Federal Election Commission appeared to scoff at President Donald Trump on social media after receiving a letter from him informing her she was fired.

Ellen Weintraub, who has served as a commissioner on the panel for more than 20 years and was elected chair for the fourth time this year, took to X to share Trump's letter — and her response.

The two-sentence letter dated Jan. 31 and addressed to Weintraub said, "You are hereby removed as a member of the Federal Election Commission, effectively immediately. Thank you for your service on the Commission."

Weintraub shared the letter Thursday evening on her X account.

"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," she retorted.

Weintraub has consistently advocated for significant campaign finance law enforcement and disclosure of political spending.

"She believes that strong and fair regulation of money in politics is important to prevent corruption and maintain the faith of the American people in their democracy," Weintraub's biography states.

Additionally, she "sounded the alarm early–and continues to do so–regarding the potential for corporate and 'dark-money' spending to become a vehicle for foreign influence in our elections."

The FEC is an independent regulatory agency with more than 300 employees and is led by six commissioners who are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Commissioners serve in staggered six-year terms and two seats are subject to appointment every two years. The chair changes every year.