Padilla Statement on President Trump’s Attempted Firing of Independent FEC Chair
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with oversight over federal elections, issued the following statement after President Trump moved to fire Ellen Weintraub, the chairwoman of the Federal Election Commission:
“President Trump’s illegal attempt to remove Chair Weintraub is a disturbing effort to sweep away any remaining limits on the dark money flooding our elections. This follows an election where billionaires spent unprecedented sums to exert their influence — including Elon Musk’s nearly $300 million, which has earned him free rein to dismantle federal agencies.
“The FEC was created by Congress 50 years ago following Watergate, and now we are seeing a new golden age of corruption. The American people want an independent campaign finance watchdog like Chair Weintraub — not more big money from billionaires trying to dominate our elections.”
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