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Trump Draft Order to Expand Federal Control of Elections Draws Fresh Legal Warnings

Commentators caution that even a partial use of emergency powers could reach state-run voting processes.

Overview

  • The Washington Post reported that the administration has circulated a draft executive order that would federalize aspects of U.S. elections during a declared national emergency.
  • Lawfare editors Anna Bower and Molly Roberts argue that, despite a weak legal theory, portions of the proposal could still be implemented or survive in some form.
  • They write that Trump and his allies appear to view a national-security emergency declaration as a potential route to exert greater control over election administration.
  • The editors say there is enough public information to infer which authorities the White House might try to invoke, even if the full strategy remains unclear.
  • Recent reporting links the conflict involving Iran and FBI warnings about potential Iranian drone threats to possible justifications the administration could cite for emergency action.