President Trump has signed an executive order mandating that the U.S. Postal Service only mail absentee/mail-in ballots to an approved list of eligible voters, requiring states to provide lists of these voters 60 days before federal elections. This order, titled “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” also mandates that ballots be clearly marked and requires the U.S. attorney general to prosecute officials who issue ballots to ineligible individuals, with federal funding withheld from non-compliant governments. Four Democratic groups, along with Senate and House Minority Leaders, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of this executive order, arguing it restricts voting rights and exceeds federal authority. Meanwhile, analysis of the earliest filing deadline states shows a downward trend in open legislative seats and an upward trend in contested incumbents for 2026. Additionally, Kentucky voters will decide on a ballot amendment in November to limit the governor’s pardon power, prohibiting its exercise within a specified period around gubernatorial elections.
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New Hampshire’s Secretary of State, David Scanlan, has stated that the state will not alter its election practices in response to President Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting. Scanlan emphasized that the federal government cannot override New Hampshire’s constitutional authority to conduct elections and that the state’s existing procedures ensure election security and transparency. This stance reaffirms New Hampshire’s long-held position that states, not the federal government, determine election rules and processes, particularly regarding voter registration and ballot accessibility.
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This executive order seeks to establish federal lists of citizens and direct the U.S. Postal Service to transmit mail ballots only to individuals on these lists. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security to compile “state citizenship lists” from various federal records for states to verify their voter rolls. However, legal experts anticipate swift court challenges, citing the Constitution’s clear allocation of election administration powers to the states, making federal presidential overreach unlikely to stand. This action follows previous attempts by the president to influence election processes and impose stricter voter identification requirements.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a nationwide list of verified eligible voters and restrict mail-in voting, a move that drew swift legal threats from state Democratic officials. The order, which experts say violates the Constitution by usurting states’ election powers, directs the Department of Homeland Security to compile voter lists and bars the U.S. Postal Service from sending absentee ballots to those not on approved lists. Despite claims of widespread fraud, which have been debunked, the order seeks to centralize election administration, prompting accusations of an unconstitutional power grab.
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This executive order mandates the Department of Homeland Security to create a list of eligible U.S. citizens for voting, a move that voting rights advocates argue could disenfranchise millions. Legal challenges are expected, potentially preventing its implementation before the midterm elections. The order also directs the attorney general to investigate and prosecute those issuing ballots to ineligible voters and to withhold federal funds from noncompliant states, though the Constitution generally vests election administration with the states.
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President Donald Trump made an unprecedented appearance at the Supreme Court to argue against birthright citizenship. However, his bid to overturn the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment faced significant skepticism from several justices, including his own appointees. After less than 90 minutes, Trump departed, later posting on social media that the U.S. is “STUPID” for allowing birthright citizenship. The hearing centered on an executive order aiming to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to noncitizen parents, a move already blocked by lower courts and contested by legal scholars who deem it highly unlikely to succeed.
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A federal judge in Washington has ruled against a portion of President Trump’s executive order that sought to redirect funding from NPR and PBS. The judge determined that the order constituted unconstitutional retaliation, infringing upon the press freedom rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. This decision blocks efforts to cut federal support for these public broadcasting entities.
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TSA officers are unlikely to see significant improvements in airport operations until they receive assurances of reliable and extended pay, according to former TSA officer Caleb Harmon-Marshall. The uncertainty surrounding potential back pay and ongoing funding disputes is creating confusion and impacting morale among current and former officers. Many officers are struggling with accumulated debt and are hesitant to return to their roles without a guarantee of long-term financial stability, with some already seeking alternative employment due to repeated funding lapses.
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President Trump announced an order for the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay TSA agents amid the ongoing partial government shutdown. This action aims to address the critical situation where TSA agents have been working without pay for over 40 days, leading to staffing shortages and extended airport security lines. The president cited the Democrats’ role in creating a “National Crisis” and asserted his authority to resolve the emergency. The order comes after the White House previously declined an offer from Elon Musk to pay TSA agents due to potential legal challenges.
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President Donald Trump has issued an executive order mandating an exclusive broadcast window for the annual Army-Navy football game in December. The order directs relevant officials to coordinate with college football organizations and media partners to prevent any conflicts with College Football Playoff (CFP) or other postseason games. This directive aims to ensure the Army-Navy rivalry receives undivided national attention, especially as potential CFP expansions could necessitate earlier playoff scheduling that might otherwise overlap. The policy underscores the importance of maintaining the prominence of this historic matchup played by the nation’s Military Service Academies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker