Summary
President Donald Trump removed a Democratic member, Robert E. Primus, from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), creating an opportunity to appoint more Republicans. This move comes before a major decision on a large railroad merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Primus, who opposes certain mergers that he feels harm competition, plans to challenge his firing.
Key Facts
- President Trump fired Robert E. Primus from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.
- The STB is about to decide on a large merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads.
- The firing allows Trump to potentially appoint two more Republicans to the board.
- Robert E. Primus opposed previous railroad mergers, expressing concerns about competition.
- Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin criticized Trump's decision, suggesting it favors wealthy interests.
- The STB will consider Union Pacific’s $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern.
- Primus argues that mergers are not the solution for improving competition in the railroad industry.
