The White House has removed two Democratic members from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) board, Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka, leaving just one board member, Republican Chairman Kyle Hauptman. Harper criticized the decision, stating it upsets regulatory balance and harms consumers, while Otsuka called it an attempt to undermine the rule of law and democratic values. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the firings, emphasizing President Trump’s authority to dismiss individuals.

This move is part of Trump’s broader efforts to influence independent regulatory agencies, following similar actions at the Federal Trade Commission and federal labor boards. The Democratic commissioners at the Federal Trade Commission are currently challenging their removal in federal court. Trump’s actions are now under scrutiny, with the matter before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Interestingly, Harper was initially appointed to the NCUA by Trump in 2019, later becoming chairman during Biden’s presidency and reconfirmed for a second term until 2027. Otsuka, nominated by Biden and confirmed in 2023, had a term set to expire in 2029. The NCUA spokesperson declined to comment on the removals, underscoring the contentious nature of these changes within independent regulatory agencies.