A Democratic Surface Transportation Board member, Robert E. Primus, was terminated by the White House, creating a vacancy on the normally five-member board. The vacancy could let the president appoint two additional Republicans before the board rules on the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, subject to Senate confirmation. Primus had opposed a prior Canadian Pacific–Kansas City Southern deal over competition concerns and had served as board chairman after being named by Joe Biden. The White House characterized the removal as aligning with the administration's priorities. Primus said he will challenge the firing and was removed from the STB website.
Board member Robert E. Primus said on LinkedIn that he received an email from the White House Wednesday night terminating the position he has held since he was appointed by Trump in his first term. The vacancy would allow Trump to appoint two additional Republicans to the board before its decision on the Union Pacific- Norfolk Southern merger though the Senate would have to confirm them.
Primus was the only board member to oppose Canadian Pacific's acquisition of Kansas City Southern railroad when it was approved two years ago because he was concerned it would hurt competition. He was named Board chairman last year by former President Joe Biden and led the board until Trump, after his election, elevated Board member Patrick Fuchs to Chairman.
#surface-transportation-board #robert-primus #union-pacificnorfolk-southern-merger #presidential-removal
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