(I've realised I posted this question to the wrong substack) I do want to ask since it is part of his recent executive order to bring down independant agencies (including the FEC). How much control would that give him over federal elections ? If his executive order passes, would he be able to control or rig elections ? What control would he have over them ?
The elections are handled by states, not at the Federal level. The FEC itself says it has nothing to do with how the elections are conducted, just enforcing Federal campaign finance rules.
QUOTE STARTS
While the FEC administers the federal campaign finance laws, it has no jurisdiction over the laws relating to voting, voter fraud and intimidation, ballot access or election results.
Thank you this. It provides a lot of clarity. I am wondering however how he has managed to fire so many people if he doesn’t actually have this power. One would hope these employees would fight back and take this matter to the courts.
Oh he does have the power to fire probationary employees. They don't have the same job protections for their first year in a new job. As for permanent employees, he only has the right to suspend them on full pay. He has to continue to pay them to do nothing. He CAN fire political appointees. But as I explain here, he will have to build the agencies up again as he has to spend the same amount as before. So he likely has to hire a bunch of new probationary employees at some point.
(I've realised I posted this question to the wrong substack) I do want to ask since it is part of his recent executive order to bring down independant agencies (including the FEC). How much control would that give him over federal elections ? If his executive order passes, would he be able to control or rig elections ? What control would he have over them ?
The elections are handled by states, not at the Federal level. The FEC itself says it has nothing to do with how the elections are conducted, just enforcing Federal campaign finance rules.
QUOTE STARTS
While the FEC administers the federal campaign finance laws, it has no jurisdiction over the laws relating to voting, voter fraud and intimidation, ballot access or election results.
https://www.fec.gov/introduction-campaign-finance/
That's great to hear ! Thank you
Thank you this. It provides a lot of clarity. I am wondering however how he has managed to fire so many people if he doesn’t actually have this power. One would hope these employees would fight back and take this matter to the courts.
Oh he does have the power to fire probationary employees. They don't have the same job protections for their first year in a new job. As for permanent employees, he only has the right to suspend them on full pay. He has to continue to pay them to do nothing. He CAN fire political appointees. But as I explain here, he will have to build the agencies up again as he has to spend the same amount as before. So he likely has to hire a bunch of new probationary employees at some point.
Thanks for explaining.