President Donald Trump on Monday promised more changes to how elections are run in the U.S., but under the Constitution he cannot act alone.
Trump repeated alleged false claims and conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, which he lost, while vowing on his social media site to end both mail-in voting and the use of voting machines. Mail ballots are used by nearly one-third of U.S. voters, and voting machines are part of almost every election district. However, these same systems helped Trump win the 2024 presidential race and gave Republicans control of Congress.
Alleged False Claims by Donald Trump and Escalating Rhetoric
His statement marks an escalation in his usual election talk. Earlier this year, he issued an executive order requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, though courts quickly blocked parts of it. On Monday, Trump promised another order that he said would bring “honesty” to the 2026 midterms.
Trump also repeated, what experts suggest are, falsehoods. He claimed the U.S. is the only country that allows mail voting, even though nations like Germany, Switzerland, and the U.K. reportedly also use it. Similar claims broadcast on conservative outlets such as Fox News and Newsmax have resulted in large defamation settlements because the networks could not prove the allegations.
Trump Claims Putin’s Endorsement
Trump’s post came after he told Fox News that Russian President Vladimir Putin, during their recent meeting in Alaska, supported his complaints about mail voting. He continued attacking mail ballots and voting machines the same day in the Oval Office, while meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Experts say the push is part of Trump’s broader strategy to tilt the system in his favor ahead of the 2026 elections. He has already directed his attorney general to probe a Democratic fundraising platform and encouraged states to redraw congressional districts to secure a Republican majority in the House.
Trump’s Power Curtailed by Constituion
However, Trump faces limits. The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the authority to set federal election rules. Courts have blocked his earlier attempts, and experts say the only real way to change national election laws is through Congress. What Trump plans to do next remains unclear.
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