Trump Calls for Federal Takeover of Elections in 15 States Ahead of Midterms

President Trump called on Republicans to 'take over the voting' in at least 15 states ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, breaking with constitutional provisions that grant states the right to run elections. In a podcast interview with former deputy FBI director Dan Bongino, Trump advocated for nationalizing voting and taking control of election administration. He later claimed without evidence that there has been 'horrible corruption' in elections in predominantly Democratic cities including Philadelphia, Detroit, and Atlanta. Election experts warned that while the president lacks authority over state elections, his rhetoric reveals intent to undermine democratic processes. The comments followed an FBI raid on an election office in Georgia and coincided with an executive order creating confusion for election officials. Trump also suggested he might not accept the 2026 midterm results if he doesn't deem them 'honest.'

"The Republicans should say, 'we want to take over. We should take over the voting in at least, many, 15 places.'" — Interview with Dan Bongino podcast, discussing 2026 midterm elections and alleged election corruption in Democratic-controlled cities