White House says it fired transportation regulator in latest move to reshape Trump's government

The White House said it has fired a member of the Surface Transportation Board, a move that comes as the independent federal regulatory agency is considering the proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroad companies.

WASHINGTON — The White House said Thursday that it has fired a member of the Surface Transportation Board, a move that comes as the independent federal regulatory agency is considering the proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroad companies.

"Earlier this evening, I received an email from the White House purporting to terminate my position at the Surface Transportation Board," Robert Primus wrote in a post to LinkedIn on Wednesday. "This is deeply troubling and legally invalid."

Primus' termination, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes as the White House has increasingly moved to exert control over agencies across the federal government, including those considered to be independent.

Primus said in his post that he planned to "continue to discharge my duties as a member of the Board and, if I’m prevented from doing so, I will explore my legal options."

The Presidential Personnel Office — which is now set to be run longtime Trump aide Dan Scavino — did not offer a reason for Primus’ dismissal, according to a copy of the email seen by MSNBC. Staff member Mary Sprowls said that his position as a member was terminated “effective immediately.” Access to Primus’ government devices was shut off on Wednesday evening, according to a person familiar with matter.