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The Vice President of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) handed over his letter of resignation to President Trump on Monday, leaving the agency one member less than the number needed to vote the proposed actions.
Matthew Petersen, a Republican who has been a Commissioner since 2008, said in his letter that he would leave his post on Saturday.
"I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the commission," said his letter, which was posted on the FEC website. "The work of a commissioner is difficult because it involves taking action that affects the rights to freedom of expression of the American people."
YOUR FRAUD EXISTS, EVEN SO MUCH IN THE MEDIA CLAIMS
He added, "For this reason, I am pleased to have fulfilled my obligation to protect the interests of the First Amendment while faithfully applying federal campaign finance laws."
Petersen has been president of the FEC twice – in 2010 and 2016 – before taking up the position of vice president.
"My friendships with my fellow commissioners, my executive assistants and the FEC staff were a highlight of my experience at the agency," Petersen wrote. "I can not thank everyone for their professionalism, support and decency during my stay here."
Petersen's departure blocks the FEC's vote on any new action, with four members needed to make the decision. The ECF guidelines also state that up to three commissioners may belong to the same political party, in the hope that these guidelines would facilitate non-partisan decisions.
The remaining commissioners are President Ellen Weintraub, a Democrat; Caroline Hunter, a republican; and Steven Walther, an independent. President Trump has appointed Republican Lawyer Trey Trainor in 2017 to fill a commissioner position, but the Senate has not yet voted for his appointment.
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Petersen's resignation complicates an already difficult situation within the FEC, with commissioners fighting for his entire mission and Trump's persistent claims of electoral fraud.
"It's not a problem of blocking, it's not a problem of disagreement, it's a problem of half commissioners who do not agree with the mission of the agency," said Weintraub to The Hill earlier this year.
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