TORONTO — Five of Brand USA’s 11 board members have reportedly been fired by the Trump administration.

The news was first reported by Skift.

Brand USA board members are appointed for a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Travelweek reached out to Brand USA for its take and received this response: “Brand USA has no comment regarding your question. We refer you to the U.S. Department of Commerce, which manages board appointments.”

The fired board members are reportedly chair Elliott Ferguson, who is President & CEO of Destination DC; vice chair Lauren Bailey; Kristen Esposito; secretary Allen Orr; and Tim Mapes, Chief Communications Office, Delta Air Lines.

Brand USA’s Canada Connect East is taking place in Toronto and Montreal this week. This is the second year for Canada Connect, after a successful inaugural year in 2024.

Click here for Travelweek’s recent interview with Chris Heywood, SVP, PR & Chief Communications Officer for Brand USA. And check out Travelweek’s coverage of Brand USA’s Canada Connect East in Travelweek Daily this week.