Trump Gets Major Win in Effort to Rig Midterm Elections

A federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump declined to block his executive order limiting mail-in voting, clearing the way for potential restrictions ahead of the midterm elections. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, based in Washington, rejected a challenge from Democrats and civil rights groups, arguing that the order had not yet been implemented and thus could not be blocked prematurely. Trump’s order, signed in late March, instructs states to notify the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) 90 days before federal elections if they plan to allow mail-in or absentee ballots. It also directs the USPS to create voter participation lists for each state and refuse delivery of ballots for those not on the lists. The order lacks legal authority, as no law requires states to provide this data to the USPS or empowers the agency to enforce such rules. Democratic leaders have condemned the order as an illegal attempt to suppress votes, calling it a “desperate, illegal power grab” and “laughably unconstitutional.” They argue Trump has no authority over the USPS, an independent agency governed by its own board, and that the order violates federal laws prohibiting the USPS from discriminating against mail users. A separate legal challenge in Boston could still oppose the order, but Nichols’ ruling removes an immediate obstacle for the USPS to adopt restrictive measures. Democratic lawmakers have urged the Postal Service’s Board of Governors to reject Trump’s directive, warning it could prevent millions from voting and violate federal election laws. The USPS is barred from administering elections, and Trump’s order would force the agency into unauthorized election oversight. Critics argue the move undermines voting rights and could lead to widespread voter disenfranchisement in the upcoming midterms.