"President Ousts Key STB Figure Ahead of Landmark Merger Vote"

The U.S. president recently removed a Democratic appointee from the Surface Transportation Board (STB) just days before the agency was set to review a historic railroad merger. The move has sparked immediate criticism from labor groups and legal challenges from the dismissed board member, who has vowed to continue performing his duties. The fired official, Robert E. Primus, had served as a member of the STB since 2021 and was confirmed for a full term in 2022, with his tenure set to expire in late 2027. During his tenure, he held the position of chairman from May 2024 to January 2025.

The administration cited a lack of alignment with its policies as the reason for the removal, though no formal cause was provided. Primus responded by calling the action “illegal” and stated he would continue to discharge his responsibilities until a court rules otherwise. The timing of the dismissal has raised questions, as the STB is expected to soon deliberate on one of the largest railroad mergers in history, a decision that could significantly shape the future of freight rail operations in the country.

Labor organizations have condemned the move, with one group urging the president to reverse the decision. They emphasized that Primus had worked to promote a “safe and competitive freight rail system that boosts the American economy and rail workforce.” The removal comes amid heightened scrutiny of executive actions and regulatory decisions in the transportation sector, where labor and industry interests have increasingly found themselves at odds.

Primus’s career has spanned decades in public service and political advising. He previously worked as a legislative director and chief of staff for several members of Congress and served as a senior advisor to ial candidate Tim Ryan. His experience on Capitol Hill and in transportation policy has been central to his role on the STB. Critics argue that removing him just before a major regulatory decision undermines the agency’s independence and integrity.

The STB plays a critical role in regulating railroad rates and overseeing mergers that affect the U.S. freight system. Its decisions can influence market competition, freight costs, and labor conditions. With the board now facing potential legal challenges and political pressure, the outcome of the upcoming merger review remains uncertain. Any delay or disruption could have broader implications for the transportation sector and related industries.