Trump pushes election overhaul once again, making it a central focus in his recent statements alongside world leaders. While standing with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies, he addressed a controversial topic mail-in voting. Initially, Trump dismissed a reporter’s question as “off-topic.” However, he quickly reversed course and delivered a lengthy answer. His comments revealed growing frustration with mail-in ballots and strong intent to reshape election procedures.
According to Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin sparked the conversation. Trump claimed Putin told him mail-in voting cannot produce honest results. “You lost the election because of mail-in voting,” Trump quoted Putin, aligning it with his long-standing claim of a “rigged” 2020 election. Using that moment as fuel, Trump launched into a full attack on mail-in voting. “Mail-in ballots are corrupt,” he stated. “We’re going to do everything possible to get rid of them.” He also promised swift action through an executive order, which he said is being drafted by top legal experts.
Meanwhile, Trump argued that paper ballots are cheaper, faster, and more secure. He insisted other nations avoid mail-in systems due to “massive fraud.” However, experts note many democratic countries including the U.S. use mail-in voting effectively, especially for overseas citizens and military families. Furthermore, Trump claimed, “We are the only country using mail-in ballots like this.” That statement clashes with global data and widespread use of vote-by-mail worldwide.
Despite his bold promises, the president lacks the direct authority to enforce such sweeping changes. According to the Constitution, each state legislature controls its own election process. While Congress could change federal guidelines, current narrow majorities make major reforms unlikely. Nevertheless, Trump pushes election overhaul forward as a key Republican mission. “It’s a fraud,” he declared. “It’s time Republicans get tough. Democrats want it because it’s the only way they can win.”
He even cited former President Jimmy Carter, referencing a 2004 commission report on absentee ballot risks. Trump used this point to argue that voting by mail remains vulnerable to abuse. Interestingly, Trump’s stance has shifted. In 2020, he encouraged Republicans to use mail-in ballots when necessary. Today, he calls the practice corrupt, vowing to eliminate it entirely.
Trump pushes election overhaul not only on domestic grounds but also while shifting positions internationally. After calling for an Ukraine cease-fire, he dropped that demand after meeting Putin in Alaska. Critics call this flip-flopping. Supporters call it strategic flexibility. Ultimately, Trump’s current strategy targets both election law and foreign policy. He continues to present himself as a bold reformer, unafraid to break from political norms. Whether his promises lead to actual change remains uncertain.
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