Trump Urges GOP to “Take Over the Voting” and Nationalize Elections in 15 Places
President Donald Trump told a national podcast audience Monday that Republicans should “take over the voting” and nationalize election administration in at least 15 places, a statement that raises fresh questions about democratic norms and federal vs. state authority.
The president made the comments during an appearance on The Dan Bongino Show, repeating long-debunked claims of widespread illegal voting and asserting Republicans must seize control of how ballots are cast and counted.
Trump framed his call to “take over the voting” as a necessary response to what he alleges are corrupt state election processes, though he provided no specifics about which locations or how such a takeover would work legally.
Under the U.S. Constitution, states and local jurisdictions are principally responsible for running elections, a point underscored by critics who say Trump’s remarks conflict with established law.
“This is about ensuring every legal vote counts equally,” a Trump ally said in defense of the idea, though legal experts note the Constitution delegates election administration to states.
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The comments come as the nation gears up for the 2026 midterm elections and follow a controversial FBI search of a Georgia election office that Trump and his allies have seized on.
Legal scholars warn that any federal effort to override state control of elections would spark constitutional challenges and could further erode public trust in democratic processes.
Republican and Democratic officials alike have rejected federal takeover proposals, emphasizing state sovereignty in election administration.
Observers say whether Trump’s comments signal a broader strategy or an isolated rant, they add fuel to an already heated debate over voting rights and election integrity.
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