The Trump administration is ramping up pressure on states to change election practices
Summary
President Donald Trump’s administration is pressuring states to change voting rules by threatening to withhold federal money and warning election officials they could face criminal charges for not removing noncitizens from voter lists. The Department of Justice sent letters to all states asking how they will comply with election laws, while a federal grant program links some funding to new election-related requirements.Key Facts
- The Trump administration threatens to withhold some federal funding from states that do not change voting practices.
- The Department of Justice warned state election officials that they could be prosecuted if noncitizens remain on voter rolls or vote.
- Letters were sent to election officials in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., asking for compliance plans within five days.
- The administration’s actions come before the 2026 midterm elections, where Democrats aim to gain control of Congress.
- Courts have mostly rejected previous efforts by the administration based on claims of widespread voting fraud.
- FEMA’s antiterrorism grant program, worth over $1 billion, includes election-related rules and may withhold 20% of funds until states comply.
- Experts said the DOJ letters mostly restate existing laws and many states may ignore the requests.
- The administration’s measures mix concerns over election security with efforts to influence state and local election rules.
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