Trump Calls for Federal Takeover of Detroit Elections, Michigan GOP Leader Backs Proposal

Governor Whitmer and Secretary of State Benson reject the idea, saying Michigan's elections remain secure.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:15am

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President Donald Trump is calling for the federal government to take over the 2026 elections in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, claiming 'horrible corruption' in those cities' elections. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson have rejected the idea, saying Michigan's elections are safe and secure. However, Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt has voiced support for a federal takeover, accusing Benson of being 'the worst Secretary of State in America'.

Why it matters

Trump's continued claims of election fraud, despite no evidence, have fueled distrust in the electoral process. A federal takeover of state elections would be an unprecedented and likely unconstitutional move that could further undermine confidence in American democracy.

The details

President Trump said the federal government should not 'allow' the 'horrible corruption' he claims exists in the elections of Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Governor Whitmer and Secretary of State Benson pushed back, saying Michigan's elections remain safe and secure. Republican Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons agreed, stating the Constitution does not allow for the federal government to 'nationalize' state-run elections. However, Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt voiced support for a federal takeover, accusing Benson of being untrustworthy.

  • President Trump made the comments on February 6, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who continues to make unsubstantiated claims of widespread election fraud.

Gretchen Whitmer

The Governor of Michigan who rejected Trump's proposal, saying a federal takeover of state elections 'won't happen on my watch'.

Jocelyn Benson

The Michigan Secretary of State who Whitmer and Lyons defended, with Benson calling Trump's 'baseless attacks' an attempt to 'suppress voter turnout and sow distrust'.

Aric Nesbitt

The Michigan Senate Minority Leader who voiced support for Trump's proposal, calling Benson 'the worst Secretary of State in America'.

Lisa Posthumus Lyons

The Republican Kent County Clerk who said the Constitution does not allow for the federal government to 'nationalize' state-run elections.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.