Trump Renews Assault on Mail-In Ballots and Voting Machines, Citing Putin’s Influence

President Donald Trump announced Monday a renewed push to eliminate mail-in ballots and voting machines, claiming they are “inaccurate” and “controversial.” This escalation follows a meeting last week in Alaska where, according to Trump, Russian leader Vladimir Putin advised him that mail-in voting led to his 2020 electoral defeat.

In social media posts and remarks made from the Oval Office, Trump stated he would “lead a movement” to dismantle current election procedures. He asserted that states act merely as “agents” for the federal government in election matters, despite constitutional provisions granting states authority over election timing, place, and manner.

This latest move builds on previous attempts, including a March executive order that sought to prevent late mail-in ballots from being counted and impose proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration. While courts have enjoined significant portions of that order, a provision directing the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to revise guidance on voting machine bar codes was allowed to proceed.

The announcement drew sharp criticism, with Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read stating Trump is “actively working to corrupt our elections” and emphasizing mail-in voting as crucial for voter access. Despite his current stance, Trump’s 2024 campaign had previously encouraged mail-in voting, particularly for supporters affected by Hurricane Helene.

Trump indicated his legal team is currently drafting additional executive action to be implemented before the 2026 midterm elections, vowing that “The Mail-In Ballot Hoax, Using Voting Machines That Are A Complete And Total Disaster, MUST END, NOW!!!”

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