Trump Fires Democrat from Federal Railroad Board
Introduction
In yet another display of his power, President Trump has fired a Democrat from the federal railroad board. This move is part of a series of recent firings by the president, targeting those who he believes are not aligned with his agenda. The latest to be ousted is Robert Primus, a member of the Surface Transportation Board.
Key Details
Primus, who has served on the board since his initial appointment by Trump, has refused to leave his post. He has called his removal illegal and has stated that he will continue to do his job unless forced out. This is not the first time Trump has removed a Democrat from a government position, and it is clear that he is determined to have loyal supporters in key positions.
Impact
This is a concerning trend for those who value the independence and non-partisanship of government agencies. With the ongoing impeachment inquiry and the 2020 election on the horizon, it is clear that Trump is taking drastic measures to ensure his allies are in positions of power. This has the potential to greatly affect the functioning and balance of these agencies, and it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the country in the long run.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Surface Transportation Board
The **Surface Transportation Board (STB)** is an independent federal agency responsible for the **economic regulation of primarily freight railroads** in the United States. Established on January 1, 1996, as the successor to the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), which existed from 1887 to 1995, the STB inherited much of the ICC’s regulatory authority but with a focused and modernized mandate[3][4][6]. The STB’s jurisdiction covers a broad range of surface transportation economic issues, including **railroad rates, service disputes, construction, acquisition, abandonment of rail lines, and rail mergers**. Beyond railroads, the STB also oversees certain pipeline carriers, intercity bus carriers, moving van companies, trucking companies engaged in collective activities, and non-contiguous domestic water carriers. It plays a critical role in approving mergers and acquisitions, resolving disputes, and regulating rates to ensure an efficient and competitive transportation network[1][2][3][4][6]. The Board consists of **five bipartisan members**, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for five-year terms, with no more than three members from the same political party. One member serves as Chairman. The STB operates much like a quasi-judicial body, issuing decisions after evaluating filings and arguments by involved parties, with authority to initiate investigations and proceedings independently[3][5][7]. A key historical milestone was the **Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2015**, which formally established the STB as a wholly independent federal agency separate from the U.S. Department of Transportation, increased board membership from three to five, and expanded some of its powers[4][5]. The STB is notable for balancing regulatory oversight with fostering innovation and efficiency in the rail and surface transportation sectors—critical components of the national economy and supply chains. Its work impacts business operations, technological advancements in freight logistics, and infrastructure development. The agency adheres to principles of transparency, participatio
