By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump has vowed further changes to U.S. elections, despite having limited constitutional authority to do so on his own. Trump’s statements, often fueled by false claims about voter fraud and conspiracy theories, propose eliminating mail voting and voting machines, which were used in his own 2024 election victory. The article explains that the U.S. Constitution primarily grants states the power to determine election procedures, while Congress can influence federal elections. Legal experts clarify that the president’s involvement in election conduct is minimal, and any alterations to federal election rules would require congressional action, which is unlikely given the current political landscape.
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Trump vows to change how elections are run. The US Constitution doesn’t give him that power. It’s a tale as old as time, isn’t it? Trump, once again, making pronouncements that clash directly with the very foundation of American governance: the Constitution. He’s promising alterations to how elections are conducted, specifically targeting mail voting and voting machines, fueled by debunked claims of widespread fraud and conspiracy theories related to his 2020 election loss. The frustrating reality is that the US Constitution firmly places the power to manage elections at the state level, with very limited federal oversight.
This isn’t just a matter of opinion; it’s a clear-cut case of the limits of presidential authority. The Constitution grants states the authority to determine the “time, place, and manner” of elections. While Congress can establish or modify rules for federal elections, the President is not mentioned at all. Trump’s insistence on federal intervention and a disregard for established legal principles is, unfortunately, a familiar pattern. He seems to operate under the assumption that he can bypass the Constitution and dictate his own terms, and the question is: will anyone stop him?
His actions stem from his belief that states “are merely an ‘agent’ for the Federal Government.” He then claims they must follow federal directives “as represented by the President of the United States.” This notion is a misrepresentation of the Constitution, a document he swore to uphold, and ignores a core Republican value: states’ rights. This is where the rubber meets the road, because the Constitution doesn’t support his claims.
The legal fights over his actions in the past, and his actions to come, will likely find their way to the courts. The question arises, who will stop him? The Supreme Court? Or will they, as some fear, simply allow him to operate outside the established boundaries of presidential power? This is the crux of the matter. He’s testing the limits, and it’s a dangerous game when someone is seemingly beyond accountability.
His rhetoric is a cause for concern. The claim is made that the U.S. is the only country to use mail voting, when it’s actually used by many other nations, including Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, there is evidence that the same voting systems he now decries enabled him to win in the 2024 election. This contradiction and promotion of false information has led to defamation settlements in the past, with news outlets failing to present evidence to support his claims.
His recent pronouncements, including an executive order that would require proof of citizenship before registering to vote, are alarming. Trump’s actions appear as another effort to sway the election in his favor, after directing his attorney general to investigate Democratic fundraising and urging states to redraw congressional districts. This is a pattern of attempting to manipulate the system for his own gain. This is a desperate play, and the desperation has no bounds.
It’s not just about the words; it’s about the actions. He’s already attempted to change election procedure via executive order, which is a clear example of overreach. He continues to claim “MASSIVE FRAUD” when in reality, voting fraud is rare. He is attempting to convince the American people that there is something wrong with the process and that the President has the power to unilaterally change things.
The potential ramifications of allowing such actions are substantial. If he’s allowed to continue this trend, then the principles and processes of American democracy will be seriously undermined. If Trump is left unchecked, his actions will be more than just a disregard for the rule of law; they will be a direct attack on the integrity of the American system.
We’re left with the question: how will people respond? His actions will likely face legal challenges. But history has shown that it’s not just the legal system that matters; it’s also the willingness of the people to defend the very institutions and values of the nation. This will continue to be the test of American democracy.