In March, Donald Trump signed an executive order asserting powers over elections that he does not possess. He was promptly sued by the Democratic Party and others, and the most immediate threats were halted. In another executive order — one that has received less scrutiny — Trump claimed that he, and he alone, is the final arbiter of what federal law means, including laws governing campaign finance. That order, too, has been challenged.

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August 18, 2025

In March, Donald Trump signed an executive order asserting powers over elections that he does not possess. He was promptly sued by the Democratic Party and others, and the most immediate threats were halted.

In another executive order — one that has received less scrutiny — Trump claimed that he, and he alone, is the final arbiter of what federal law means, including laws governing campaign finance. That order, too, has been challenged.

This morning, Trump escalated his attacks on free and fair elections. In an early morning social media post, he announced: “I am going to lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS, and also, while we’re at it, Highly ‘Inaccurate,’ Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial VOTING MACHINES.”

He went on to falsely claim that the United States is the only country that uses mail-in voting and that Democrats only win by cheating — both untrue. In the portion of his post that has received the most attention, Trump declared that he will be “signing an EXECUTIVE ORDER to help bring HONESTY to the 2026 Midterm Elections.”

But, in my view, the most disturbing and dangerous portion of his message is this...

Want to know what Trump’s executive order on mail-in ballots really means?

Democracy Docket founder and voting rights attorney Marc Elias gives members the inside scoop. Support our mission and access premium insights, including this piece, by upgrading today. ([link removed] )

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