Former Officials Criticize Trump's Proposal to 'Nationalize' Elections

Corbett and Jones say the Constitution gives states, not the federal government, power over elections.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and former U.S. District Court Judge John Jones III have spoken out against President Donald Trump's call to 'nationalize' elections, saying the Constitution clearly gives states, not the federal government, the power to administer elections. Both Corbett and Jones, who have Republican backgrounds, are involved with a nonprofit called Keep Our Republic that pushes back on unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud.

Why it matters

Trump's rhetoric and efforts to investigate the 2020 election have put the country in 'uncharted waters,' according to Corbett. The former officials' comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the federal government and states over election administration, as well as concerns about potential efforts to undermine confidence in the electoral process.

The details

Corbett and Jones argued that Article I, Section Four of the Constitution gives states and their legislatures, not the federal government, the power to administer elections. They expressed confidence that federal courts would uphold state and local governments' abilities to run elections on their own terms, citing the numerous failed lawsuits brought by Trump in 2020 attempting to overturn the election results. However, Jones sounded less optimistic about the upcoming 2026 election, warning that the Trump administration may use 'every tool in the toolbox to disrupt the election' due to fears of a Democratic majority in Congress.

  • In the wake of President Donald Trump calling for the federal government to 'nationalize' elections in February 2026.

The players

Tom Corbett

Former Republican governor of Pennsylvania who served from 2011 to 2015. He also previously served as Pennsylvania Attorney General.

John Jones III

Former U.S. District Court Judge who was appointed by Republican President George W. Bush. He is currently the president of Dickson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who has called for the federal government to 'nationalize' elections.

Keep Our Republic

A nonprofit organization founded in 2020 to push back on unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud through civic education and work with elections officials in swing states.

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What they’re saying

“The constitution's pretty clear that the manner of the elections is left up to the states, and not to the federal government. The president would like to have it differently, but I don't think he can have it differently.”

— Tom Corbett, Former Governor of Pennsylvania (Capital-Star)

“When I went on CNN central, I said to the anchor who was interviewing me, 'I mean this respectfully but very directly, the president of the United States needs to read the Constitution.' It's pretty clear from the overwhelming pushback since then that everyone recognizes you can not, without a constitutional amendment, 'nationalize' elections to the extent the federal government takes over. That's just a nonstarter.”

— John Jones III, Former U.S. District Court Judge (Capital-Star)

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.