Federal Judge Slams Trump DOJ ‘Fishing Expedition’ in Fifth Voter Data Loss
A federal court just handed the Trump administration another loss in its push to obtain detailed voter data, rejecting a Rhode Island case and leaving the DOJ at 0–5 in similar lawsuits.
According to Democracy Docket, the Justice Department has been trying to force states to turn over unredacted voter rolls, including sensitive data like Social Security numbers and birthdates.
The effort has triggered widespread resistance from state officials in both parties, who argue the requests go beyond federal authority and pose security risks. Courts in California, Michigan, and Oregon have already blocked similar cases, with judges saying federal law doesn’t justify the demands.
Subscribe free for daily political analysis they won’t broadcast. Join 110K+ readers →
In the Rhode Island ruling, a federal judge reportedly called the DOJ’s request a “fishing expedition,” undercutting its legal argument.
The DOJ maintains the data is needed to enforce election laws, but repeated courtroom losses have raised new questions about the strategy and whether courts will continue rejecting the approach as cases move forward.
Download a FREE Pocket Constitution NOW →
