Trump Allies Draft Executive Order to Overhaul Election Control
A draft executive order circulating among allies of former President Donald Trump proposes granting him unprecedented authority over U.S. Elections, potentially allowing him to ban mail-in ballots and voting machines. The proposal, a 17-page document reviewed by PBS News, would significantly expand presidential power over the 2026 midterm elections.
Constitutional Concerns and White House Coordination
The draft order has raised concerns about its constitutionality, as the U.S. Constitution explicitly grants states the primary responsibility for conducting elections. Florida attorney Peter Ticktin, an advocate for the order, acknowledged this constitutional limitation but argued a national emergency exists due to alleged foreign interference in U.S. Elections. He suggested this justifies presidential intervention. PBS News
The extent of coordination between the drafting of the order and the White House remains unclear, though activists claim to be working in conjunction with the administration. The Trump administration previously investigated his 2020 election loss, baselessly claiming foreign interference from countries including China and Venezuela. A 2021 intelligence review, however, concluded that while China considered influencing the election, it did not take action. PBS News
Trump’s Stance on Mail-In Ballots and the SAVE America Act
President Trump has repeatedly called for restrictions on mail-in ballots, stating, “no more crooked mail-in ballots except for illness, disability, military, or travel — none.” Votebeat However, the SAVE America Act, which Trump has urged Congress to pass, does not include the sweeping limits on mail voting he has publicly advocated for. The SAVE America Act focuses on voter ID requirements and proof of citizenship.
Despite the lack of broad support for restricting mail ballots – even among some Republicans – Trump continues to express concerns about their security. Representative Blake Moore (R-Utah) highlighted the success of Utah’s mail-in voting system, stating it is “vital for our rural communities.” Votebeat
Democratic Response and Legal Challenges
House Democrats are preparing to counter Trump’s efforts to increase federal control over elections, outlining plans for litigation, legislation, and mobilization. Representative Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) described the situation as a “five alarm fire” and pledged to “fight back” using every available tool. CNBC
Government watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) asserted that the drafted executive order is unconstitutional, stating the Constitution grants states power over election law with oversight from Congress, explicitly excluding the president. The Real News Network
Trump Denies Mulling Order
Despite reports of the draft executive order, Donald Trump stated he is not considering such a measure. PBS News