Trump Administration Demands Resignation of Democrats from Intelligence Oversight Board

The Trump administration has demanded the resignation of three Democratic members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) as part of a broader effort to remove Biden appointees from federal positions. This move, which affects members Sharon Bradford Franklin, Edward Felten, and Travis LeBlanc, comes ahead of a critical congressional debate on renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a law that allows warrantless surveillance of foreign communications involving U.S. persons. The PCLOB is currently down to four members, which complicates its ability to conduct oversight due to quorum requirements. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security has removed all private sector members from its advisory committees, with acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman citing a commitment to national security. Prominent figures, including Gen. Mark Milley and celebrity chef José Andrés, were also dismissed from various advisory boards, reflecting Trump's ongoing campaign to align federal agencies with his administration's vision. These changes signal a significant reorganization of oversight and advisory roles within the government.