Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) accused President Donald Trump of potentially undermining trust in elections to justify federal intervention at polling places as she highlighted why she had introduced legislation aimed at preventing such deployments.
Slotkin Targets Trump Over Election Concerns
On Tuesday, in a post on X, Slotkin said Trump could follow a pattern used by authoritarian governments: casting doubt on elections and then using that doubt to justify federal control.
"Donald Trump is willing to do anything to claim victory in November, whether he wins or not," she said.
She added, "We’re seeing the same pattern used in authoritarian governments: manufacture doubt about the vote, then use that doubt to justify federal control over polling places."
Slotkin said her legislation would bar presidents from sending troops or armed federal agents to polling locations.
White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.
Donald Trump is willing to do anything to claim victory in November, whether he wins or not.
— Elissa Slotkin (@ElissaSlotkin) August 11, 2026
We're seeing the same pattern used in authoritarian governments: manufacture doubt about the vote, then use that doubt to justify federal control over polling places.
That's why I… pic.twitter.com/mc3DnYyZ1j
Read Also: Will Trump Declare an Election Emergency? Here’s What Prediction Market Is Saying
Court Blocks Trump Mail-Voting Rules
A federal judge blocked key parts of Trump’s mail-voting overhaul, ruling that the executive branch lacked authority to regulate elections.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani said states had primary authority over congressional election procedures and that Congress, not the president, could override those rules.
The judge warned that Trump’s order could create confusion, disrupt election administration and erode public trust ahead of the midterm elections.
The ruling still allowed the U.S. Postal Service to issue nonbinding guidance on ballot-envelope design and tracking.
Election Debate Intensifies Ahead of Midterms
Earlier, former Vice President Kamala Harris warned that voting rights faced growing challenges, criticized Trump’s support for the SAVE Act and urged Americans to verify their registration and vote.
Former Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) warned that Trump’s low approval ratings could push vulnerable Republicans to distance themselves from him ahead of the 2026 midterms, saying they might treat him like he had "malaria."
Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) accused Trump of spreading falsehoods about election security and undermining trust in the midterms, calling his remarks the "ramblings of a mad king" and "make-believe."
Democrats Gained Economic Edge
A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Democrats narrowly overtook Republicans on economic trust, with 37% of voters favoring Democrats versus 36% for Republicans.
Democrats also led in congressional voting preferences, while Trump’s approval rating fell to 35% from 37% the previous month.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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