Trump Calls for Federal Control of Elections, Sparking Backlash

Congressional members from both parties criticize the President's comments as unconstitutional and undemocratic.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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President Donald Trump is doubling down on his claims of widespread voter fraud, calling for the federal government to 'nationalize' elections and take control of voting procedures in several states. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from members of Congress, who argue that the Constitution gives states primary authority over election administration.

Why it matters

Trump's push to centralize federal control over elections raises concerns about undermining state sovereignty and the integrity of the democratic process. It also comes amid ongoing debates over voting rights, election security, and the balance of power between federal and state governments.

The details

In a podcast interview and subsequent remarks, Trump claimed there is 'horrible corruption' in the election processes of cities like Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, and said the federal government should 'get involved' to prevent fraud. However, the Constitution's Article I, Section 4 clearly states that states have primary authority over election administration.

  • On February 2, 2026, Trump made comments about 'nationalizing' elections in a podcast interview.
  • On February 3, 2026, Trump reiterated his call for federal control of elections during a press conference.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is pushing for the federal government to take control of state election processes.

Chuck Schumer

The Democratic Senator from New York who criticized Trump's comments as 'outlandishly illegal'.

Nick Langworthy

The Republican Congressman from New York who expressed support for having a 'standard' voting system across the country.

Glenn 'GT' Thompson

The Republican Congressman from Pennsylvania who described Trump's comments as 'rhetoric' and said the Constitution is clear that states determine election procedures.

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What they’re saying

“Does Donald Trump need a copy of the Constitution? What he's saying is outlandishly illegal.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senator (wzmq19.com)

“I didn't hear the President's comments on nationalizing but it would be great to have one standard across the country to cast our votes. It would great to see a standard.”

— Nick Langworthy, Congressman (wzmq19.com)

“Our Constitution is very clear our elections are determined by our state legislators. They determine the time and the place and the method of elections. That was abused obviously in the past with COVID. It was abused by some governors, some state Supreme Courts, especially in Pennsylvania as a leading example. So, we're not looking to nationalize, we're looking to make Americans' votes count and not canceled because of fraud and abuse.”

— Glenn 'GT' Thompson, Congressman (wzmq19.com)

What’s next

The White House has not yet clarified whether the President's comments represent an official policy proposal or were simply rhetorical. Congressional leaders from both parties have indicated they will closely monitor any attempts to undermine state control over elections.

The takeaway

Trump's push to 'nationalize' elections is seen by many as a direct challenge to the constitutional authority of states to administer their own voting processes. While the President's comments have sparked outrage, they also highlight the ongoing partisan tensions over voting rights and election integrity in the United States.