Trump Ally Spreads False Claims About Connecticut Voting

Former Trump advisor Larry Kudlow makes inaccurate statements about voting requirements in Connecticut.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Former Trump advisor Larry Kudlow falsely claimed on Fox News that Connecticut voters can vote without photo ID, just by showing a credit or debit card. However, Connecticut has strict voter ID requirements, including providing proof of residency documents. The state also has robust election security measures like paper ballots, bipartisan oversight, and post-election audits. Despite the facts, former President Trump has continued to spread lies about election integrity in Connecticut, smearing the state and a popular Democratic senator.

Why it matters

These false claims about election integrity are part of a broader effort by Trump and his allies to undermine trust in the democratic process and lay the groundwork for suppressing votes, especially in Democratic-leaning areas. By spreading disinformation, they hope to justify new voting restrictions that would give them an unfair advantage.

The details

In a TV appearance, Larry Kudlow falsely stated that Connecticut voters can vote without photo ID, just by showing a credit or debit card. However, Connecticut requires voters to provide proof of residency documents like utility bills, bank statements, or government-issued IDs. There is also a multi-step verification process involving voter registration lists maintained by both parties. In 2023, the state investigated and prosecuted a case of attempted mail-in ballot fraud by Democrats, showing its commitment to election integrity.

  • On February 18, 2026, Larry Kudlow made the false claims about Connecticut voting on Fox News.
  • The following day, the House passed the SAVE America Act, which would nationalize elections in a way that could suppress Democratic votes.

The players

Larry Kudlow

A Fox News personality and former economic advisor to President Trump.

Richard Blumenthal

The Democratic U.S. Senator from Connecticut, who Trump has repeatedly smeared over an issue related to his military service during the Vietnam War.

Joe Ganim

The Democratic mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut, who was the subject of an investigation into attempted mail-in ballot fraud in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I vote in the state of Connecticut. You don't need a photo ID. You could vote if you just show them a credit card or a debit card, which anybody can get their hands on. I think it's a scam.”

— Larry Kudlow, Fox News Personality (Fox News)

“Connecticut is an extremely corrupt voting place. That's why a guy like [Sen. Richard] Blumenthal can keep getting elected. He admitted he cheated on the war. I went to Vietnam for a couple of days and I spent two more days than he did there. He was never there.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (Unknown)

What’s next

The judge in the case against the Bridgeport mail-in ballot fraud will issue a ruling on the matter in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Trump and his allies to spread disinformation about election integrity, even in states with robust security measures like Connecticut. Their goal appears to be undermining trust in the democratic process to justify new voting restrictions that could give them an unfair advantage, rather than addressing any real issues.