Trump fires all 3 Democrats on privacy oversight board
by Rebecca Beitsch - 01/27/25 6:48 PM ET
President Trump on Monday fired all three Democrats on the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), bringing much of its work to a standstill.
The move guts a board designed to ensure the government’s work to fight terrorism is balanced with protections for civil liberties.
The White House informed the three Democrats on the board on Thursday it was seeking their resignation, but the members were officially terminated Monday.
It’s an action that removes some voices on the panel critical of some foreign surveillance actions — a detail that often had them aligned with right-wing Republicans who wish to curtail such programs.
It also stands to diminish oversight of the intelligence community.
PCLOB confirmed the dismissals and indicated it would need new members to continue its work.
“The White House terminated Chair Sharon Bradford Franklin, and Members Ed Felten and Travis LeBlanc from their positions as of 5 p.m. last Thursday. The agency, however, has significant ability to continue functioning with its full staff and remaining Member Beth Williams to continue the Board’s important mission, including its advice and oversight functions, and its current projects,” PCLOB spokesperson Alan Silverleib said in a statement.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5109672-trump-fires-all-three-democrats-on-privacy-oversight-board/
