President Donald Trump on Tuesday asserted that “a state is an agent for the federal government in elections,” while defending his call for Republicans to nationalize elections.
Federal Role in Elections Questioned
During an Oval Office signing ceremony with Republican lawmakers, Trump stated, “I want to see elections be honest — and if a state can’t run an election, I think the people behind me should do something about it.” He further claimed, “A state is an agent for the federal government in elections. I don’t know why the federal government doesn’t do them anyway,” characterizing the way some states conduct elections as a “disgrace.”
Currently, elections are administered by state and local officials, with the federal government maintaining a limited role. However, the Trump administration is reportedly pursuing changes to election rules ahead of the midterm elections. The president specifically cited Atlanta, along with other cities with Democratic strongholds, as locations experiencing “horrible corruption on elections.”
Trump argued that “the federal government should not allow that” and “should get involved,” suggesting federal intervention if states are unable to “count the votes legally and honestly.” He stated that in such cases, “somebody else should take over.”
Constitutional Concerns and Legislative Proposals
When questioned by CNN’s Kaitlan Collins regarding constitutional provisions assigning election administration to local officials, Trump responded, “They can administer the election, but they have to do it honestly.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Trump’s call to “nationalize the voting” referenced the need for a national voter ID requirement. Leavitt pointed to the SAVE Act, legislation requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, as providing “very commonsense measures for voting in our country.” She also noted that noncitizens are already prohibited from voting in federal elections.
Trump has previously indicated his intention to alter the country’s voting methods, focusing on practices he alleges lead to fraudulent voting. He has also initiated a mid-decade redistricting campaign, aiming to increase Republican representation in the US House.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did President Trump claim about the role of states in elections?
President Trump claimed that “a state is an agent for the federal government in elections,” suggesting a greater federal role in administering elections.
What specific cities did President Trump accuse of election corruption?
President Trump named Atlanta and other cities with Democratic strongholds as experiencing “horrible corruption on elections.”
What legislation did the White House press secretary mention in relation to Trump’s call for nationalized voting?
Karoline Leavitt referenced the SAVE Act, legislation that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote.
As the administration continues to push for changes to election rules, it remains to be seen whether these proposals will gain traction or face legal challenges. A possible next step could involve further legislative action on the SAVE Act, or a more detailed outline of the administration’s plan for federal oversight of elections. Analysts expect continued debate over the appropriate balance between state and federal authority in election administration.
