Overview

• The White House said Robert Primus was terminated for not aligning with the president’s “America First” agenda and signaled it will nominate new members soon.
• Primus called the dismissal “deeply troubling and legally invalid,” vowed to keep serving and explore legal action, and noted his term was scheduled to run until 2027.
• An email informed Primus his position was ended effective immediately and his government device access was cut, according to reporting reviewed by multiple outlets.
• The Surface Transportation Board is assessing Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern, which could create the first transcontinental freight railroad and has drawn strong labor opposition.
• Primus’s removal changes the board’s composition and opens seats for nominees who would require Senate confirmation, reflecting a broader effort to exert control over independent agencies.