— President Donald Trump escalated his campaign to reform U.S. elections on Monday, announcing plans to lead a nationwide movement to eliminate mail-in ballots and electronic voting machines. Claiming the effort is essential to “restore honesty and integrity” to American democracy, Trump stated he would pursue executive action ahead of the 2026 midterm elections to overhaul how ballots are cast and counted in the United States.
Executive Order Planned
Speaking at a rally in Georgia, Trump declared, “We’re going to fight like hell,” promising an executive order within weeks to prohibit mail-in voting and require all ballots to be cast on paper. He argued that states count and tabulate votes on behalf of the federal government, which, he said, gives the president the authority to mandate national election procedures.
“We have to get rid of corrupt voting machines and fraudulent mail-in ballots,” Trump told supporters. “Paper ballots are the only way to guarantee that our elections are secure and honest.”
Congressional Allies Join the Movement
Prominent Republicans in Congress have rallied behind Trump’s proposal. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene voiced support, alleging—despite a lack of evidence—that mail-in voting has been linked to widespread fraud. Greene and other allies echoed Trump’s call to return to “transparent, accessible, and secure elections.”
Legal and Political Barriers
Election law experts immediately questioned Trump’s legal authority to impose such sweeping changes. Under the U.S. Constitution, states are responsible for administering their own elections. “The president cannot unilaterally end mail-in voting or ban voting machines nationwide,” said University of Michigan law professor Jenny Liu. “Any federal directive would face instant and serious court challenges.”
Despite ongoing allegations from Trump and his supporters, official state and federal investigations have repeatedly found no evidence of widespread fraud tied to mail-in ballots or voting machines. Both methods remain widely used and trusted by election officials across the country.
‘Project 2025’ and Broader Reform Plans
The former president’s push is aligned with proposals in the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” a policy blueprint for a potential second Trump administration. Project 2025 advocates dramatic federal oversight of U.S. elections, which critics argue could undermine voting rights and democratic institutions.
What’s Next?
Trump’s announcement instantly reignited national debate over election integrity, voting rights, and the balance of power between states and the federal government. As 2026 midterm campaigns gather steam, expect legal battles, intense political lobbying, and renewed voter mobilization efforts on both sides.