Trump Criticized for Latest Attempt to Manipulate Elections

Conservative critic says Trump and Republicans have 'played themselves' with new mail-in voting order.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:39pm

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President Donald Trump and his Republican supporters have been criticized by a key conservative critic for their latest attempt to rig the 2026 midterm elections through a new executive order on mail-in voting. The critic, Rick Wilson, a former adviser to President George H.W. Bush, argues that Trump's order is likely to fail in court and could backfire by discouraging MAGA voters from using mail-in ballots they typically rely on.

Why it matters

This latest move by Trump and Republicans is seen as a 'full-frontal assault on the plumbing of American democracy' in an effort to gain an unfair advantage in the upcoming midterm elections, despite a lack of evidence of widespread voter fraud. It highlights the ongoing tensions around voting rights and the integrity of the electoral process.

The details

Wilson argues that Trump's executive order is 'among the dumbest ideas' to come from his advisors, as it could discourage Republican voters from using mail-in ballots they typically rely on. He says the real reason behind the order is not a 'scholarly interest in administrative efficiency' but rather 'a cold, acidic flopsweat over the 2026 midterms' and the GOP's fear of major losses.

  • The executive order was issued in April 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who issued the controversial executive order on mail-in voting.

Rick Wilson

A former adviser to Republican President George H.W. Bush and a vocal critic of Trump and the Republican party.

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What they’re saying

“Trump's latest and most madcap executive order on mail-in voting isn't just a policy pivot; it's a full-frontal assault on the plumbing of American democracy, delivered with the Cromwellian subtlety of a sledgehammer to a stained-glass window.”

— Rick Wilson, Former Republican Strategist

“In the words of the poet and philosopher DJ Kahled: 'Congratulations. You played yourself.'”

— Rick Wilson, Former Republican Strategist

What’s next

The legality of Trump's executive order on mail-in voting is expected to be challenged in court.

The takeaway

This latest attempt by Trump and Republicans to manipulate the electoral process highlights the ongoing threats to American democracy and the importance of protecting voting rights and the integrity of elections.