Kentucky Governor Warns Trump Administration Putting "Democracy in Jeopardy"

Beshear says administration's voting statements and actions are anti-democratic

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In an interview on CNN's "State of the Union", Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) criticized the Trump administration's statements and actions related to voting, saying they are putting "democracy in jeopardy." Beshear pushed back against comments made by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem about ensuring the "right people" are voting, as well as the President's plans to implement voter ID requirements without Congressional approval.

Why it matters

Beshear's comments highlight growing concerns among Democratic leaders about the Trump administration's efforts to influence and potentially restrict voting access ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. As a governor, Beshear is responsible for overseeing elections in his state and ensuring the integrity of the democratic process.

The details

In the interview, Beshear called Noem's statements "wild" and "un-American", and said the President's comments about not federalizing elections and having Republicans take over elections in certain states were "anti-democracy". Beshear vowed that Democratic governors and attorneys general would stand up to protect "full and fair elections", and warned that attempts to intimidate voters would backfire, with people "stepping up to protect this country."

  • The interview aired on CNN's "State of the Union" on February 15, 2026.

The players

Andy Beshear

The Democratic governor of Kentucky who criticized the Trump administration's actions and statements on voting.

Kristi Noem

The Republican Secretary of Homeland Security who made comments about ensuring the "right people" are voting.

Donald Trump

The former President who said he plans to implement voter ID requirements without Congressional approval.

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What they’re saying

“Kristi Noem statements are wild and they are un-American. The president talking about not federalize elections. He first said Republicans should take over elections in certain states. That is anti democracy.”

— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky (CNN)

“But I'll say this if you try to intimidate the American people, especially when it comes to something so foundational as voting, I think you're underestimating them. I think you'd see huge lines and people singing. You know, people want to be Americans first and Democrats or Republicans second, third or fourth. You put our democracy in jeopardy, you try to intimidate them from voting, and they will step up and protect this country.”

— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky (CNN)

What’s next

Beshear and other Democratic leaders are expected to continue monitoring the Trump administration's actions on voting and voting access, and to take legal action if necessary to protect the integrity of elections.

The takeaway

Beshear's strong condemnation of the Trump administration's voting-related statements and actions highlights the growing partisan divide over election issues and the high stakes for democracy heading into the 2026 midterm elections.