Overview

• White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Robert Primus was terminated because he did not align with the President’s America First agenda and that new nominees will be put forward soon.
• Primus called the firing deeply troubling and legally invalid, said he will continue performing his duties, and indicated he is considering legal action.
• News reports said his government-device access was disabled Wednesday night after the termination email, and some outlets noted his removal from the STB website.
• The move comes as the STB reviews Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern, a deal described as creating the first continuous transcontinental railroad.
• The vacancy allows the President to nominate additional Republicans to the five‑member board, though any replacements would require Senate confirmation before participating in merger decisions.