Fired Board Member Sues Trump Over His Dismissal

A former Democratic member of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board has filed a lawsuit challenging his dismissal by President Donald Trump. Robert Primus claims his firing on Aug. 27 was illegal and threatens the board’s independence. The White House has not responded to the lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday. Primus was dismissed just before the board was to consider Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern. Critics argue that Trump’s actions undermine the board’s independence. Primus, who served since 2001, was the only member to oppose a previous major railroad merger.