Press Releases

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

“Since day one of this administration, President Trump has targeted Black federal employees across all levels of government. This includes removing Black leaders and principals from a number of independent agencies. Among these leaders are Vice Chair Alvin Brown of the National Transportation and Safety Board and Robert Primus, Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board. These removals by President Trump undermine the longstanding precedent that allows independent agencies to operate within their own expertise without interference, and there has been ongoing litigation to determine the legitimacy of these firings in the eyes of the law.

“Recently, according to public reporting, Vice Chair Brown and Chairman Primus have amended their pending lawsuits, challenging the removals by the administration on the basis of racial discrimination. Recent reporting shows what we already know to be true: Black commissioners and board Members have been removed at significantly higher rates across the federal government. Efforts to purge Black people from what were formerly racially diverse boards in independent agencies have been overwhelmingly successful.

“Our government must be a reflection of the people it represents, rich in diversity. It is unconscionable that President Trump would intentionally seek to remove Black officials from power, and it is imperative that this administration's aggressive firings of Black leaders are thoroughly examined through the lens of racial discrimination.

“The pillars of our democracy rely on the freedom of independent agencies to operate without partisan or political intrusion. The Congressional Black Caucus stands firmly behind the leadership of Mr. Primus and Mr. Brown. We commend them for the faithful execution of their duties thus far and look forward to having both officials restored to their positions as soon as possible.”