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Trump Voted by Mail as President, Despite Opposing Mail-in Voting
The former president cited exceptions for mail-in ballots while pushing for restrictive voting legislation.
Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:25pm
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Former President Donald Trump acknowledged that he voted by mail-in ballot in a Florida special election, despite his vocal opposition to mail-in voting. Trump claimed he had the right to vote by mail "because I'm president of the United States" and cited exceptions in the law for those who are away, in the military, on business, disabled, or ill. However, his administration is pushing for legislation that would federally prohibit universal mail-in voting without special approval.
Why it matters
Trump's admission of using mail-in voting himself, while simultaneously working to restrict it for others, highlights the partisan divide and hypocrisy around voting access issues. As a former president, his stance on mail-in voting carries significant weight and influence, especially as he continues to push for restrictive voting legislation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The details
In a Cabinet meeting, Trump told reporters he voted by mail-in ballot in Florida's special election because he "felt I should be here instead of being in the beautiful sunshine." He cited exceptions in the law for those who are away, in the military, on business, disabled, or ill. However, the White House declined to comment on whether someone other than the president requested, picked up and dropped off, or mailed the president's ballot, which would violate Florida election law. Trump's administration is pushing for the SAVE America Act, which would federally prohibit universal mail-in voting without special approval.
- On March 26, 2026, Trump acknowledged voting by mail-in ballot in a Florida special election.
- Earlier this week, conservative Supreme Court justices appeared skeptical that federal law allows states to accept mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day but not received until after polls close.
The players
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States who voted by mail-in ballot while opposing mail-in voting for others.
Olivia Wales
A White House spokesperson who defended Trump's use of mail-in voting, citing exceptions in the law.
What they’re saying
“Because I'm president of the United States, and because of the fact that I'm president of the United States, I did a mail-in ballot for elections that took place in Florida because I felt I should be here instead of being in the beautiful sunshine.”
— Donald Trump
“As President Trump has said, the SAVE America Act has commonsense exceptions for Americans to use mail-in ballots for illness, disability, military, or travel — but universal mail-in voting should not be allowed because it's highly susceptible to fraud. As everyone knows, the President is a resident of Palm Beach and participates in Florida elections, but he obviously primarily lives at the White House in Washington, D.C. This is a non-story.”
— Olivia Wales, White House spokesperson
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the SAVE America Act, which would federally prohibit universal mail-in voting without special approval, to move forward.
The takeaway
Trump's admission of using mail-in voting himself, while simultaneously working to restrict it for others, highlights the partisan divide and hypocrisy around voting access issues. As a former president, his stance on mail-in voting carries significant weight and influence, especially as he continues to push for restrictive voting legislation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
