Trump Advocates for Federal Election Control Ahead of Midterms
Former US President Donald Trump has publicly urged Republican lawmakers to pursue federal control over elections across the United States. In a recent interview aired on Monday night, February 2, Trump emphasized the need to "nationalize the voting" process as his administration works to reshape election rules in preparation for this year's midterm races.
Claims of State-Level Election Irregularities
During the interview, Trump argued that Republicans should take over voting operations in multiple states, alleging widespread problems with how ballots are counted at the state level. He described some states as "so crooked" and reiterated unsubstantiated claims that he won states where official results indicated otherwise. These allegations have consistently lacked supporting evidence from election officials and courts.
Georgia Investigation and Federal Actions
Trump's remarks followed a federal search of an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia, a jurisdiction central to his long-standing assertions about the 2020 election. The search was part of a Justice Department investigation into alleged voter fraud, aimed at obtaining election records. Trump hinted that developments in Georgia would soon reveal "interesting things," noting that court orders had granted authorities access to ballots in the state.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed that Trump personally directed her to travel to Atlanta in connection with the search. According to sources familiar with the matter, Gabbard also facilitated a brief phone call between Trump and FBI agents involved in the operation, which she described as a "pep talk."
Traditional Election Administration vs. Proposed Changes
In the United States, elections are traditionally administered by state and local governments, with limited federal oversight. Despite this established system, Trump has repeatedly advocated for sweeping changes to how elections are conducted nationwide. Last year, he signed an executive order seeking to require proof of US citizenship for voter registration and to prevent states from counting mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day. Parts of this order have been blocked in federal court, and existing law already prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections.
Ongoing Efforts and Legal Challenges
Trump has also vowed on multiple occasions to eliminate mail-in voting and voting machines, methods he claims lead to fraud, though he has not fully implemented these pledges. Additionally, his administration has supported an unusual mid-decade redistricting effort designed to improve Republican prospects in the upcoming midterms.
The Justice Department has sued more than 20 states to obtain complete voter rolls, including sensitive personal information, without providing independent evidence to support claims that undocumented immigrants are influencing elections.
Democratic Preparedness for Federal Intervention
Democratic election officials are increasingly preparing for potential federal intervention during the midterms. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon stated that state officials have discussed measures ranging from protecting voters at polling places to responding to federal demands for voter data access. "This is now a legitimate planning category. It's extraordinarily sad, but it would be irresponsible for us to disregard the possibility," Simon remarked.
As the midterm elections approach, the debate over federal versus state control of voting processes continues to intensify, with Trump's latest comments adding fuel to an already contentious political landscape.
