Press Releases

Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and Workforce, and Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the Committee on the Judiciary, demanded President Trump reverse his unlawful firing of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Member Gwynne Wilcox and that he produce documents and communications showing who was involved in this decision to violate federal law.  

Without Member Wilcox, the NLRB lacks a quorum to continue its vital work protecting American workers from harassment and coercion by union-busting companies. Member Wilcox’s firing effectively prevents the NLRB from acting on pending cases, including ongoing workplace rights litigation involving a corporation run by the world’s richest man and “DOGE” ringleader, Elon Musk.  

“The illegal and meritless firing of Member Wilcox undermines the ability of the NLRB to protect American workers,” continued the Members.  “In fact, the rationale provided for Member Wilcox’s termination mirrors the very arguments made by Elon Musk’s SpaceX —who is a member of your Administration—to quash complaints of violating labor law and dismantle the NLRB’s independence.” 

In keeping with the Committees’ oversight responsibilities, the Ranking Members demanded the President hand over all information, documents, and communications related to the decision and termination of Member Wilcox.  The Democratic Committee Leaders also requested communications between the Administration and private companies and organizations that stand to benefit from this illegal, anti-worker order.    

The National Labor Relations Act of 1935(NLRA) established the NLRB as an independent federal agency designed to function without direct political interference.  Under the NLRA, “any member of the Board may be removed by the President, upon notice and hearing, for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause.” Additionally, in Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, the Supreme Court ruled that the President is prevented from removing heads of independent agencies, as they serve quasi-legislative and judicial functions established by Congress to be beyond executive control, rather than exercise executive power.  As such, no sitting President can fire a sitting Board Member without cause and due process.   

This illegal move by the Trump Administration will ultimately harm workers’ ability to exercise their rights by preventing existing cases from going forward and justice from being served. 

To read the full letter, click here. 

To read the Acting Solicitor General’s Letter to the Judiciary Committee, click here.