The White House fired Robert Primus, a member of the Surface Transportation Board (STB), on Thursday.

The STB is currently reviewing the proposed $85-billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads.

The big picture: The dismissal is part of a broader pattern by the Trump administration removing officials from independent agencies and commissions. • White House spokesman Kush Desai stated Primus did not align with President Trump’s agenda and promised nominations of new, “more qualified” board members soon.

Zoom out: Other notable Trump administration firings include the two Democrats on the Federal Trade Commission, the National Transportation Safety Board’s vice chair, and members of the National Labor Relations Board, Merit Systems Protection Board and Federal El

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