The White House fired Robert Primus, a member of the Surface Transportation Board, an independent agency reviewing the $85 billion Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger. Primus, whose term ended in 2027, claims the firing is illegal and plans legal action. The White House cites his disagreement with the "America First" agenda as the reason. This action follows a pattern of the administration removing officials from independent agencies, sparking controversy and potential legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed by a fired Federal Reserve governor.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.