President Trump’s bold citizenship verification executive order is exactly what American elections have needed all along, with a built-in financial ultimatum for states that refuse to comply.
At a Glance
- Trump signed an executive order mandating proof of citizenship for voting in federal elections
- States that don’t comply risk losing federal election funding
- The order requires voter registration forms to include government-verified citizenship documentation
- All ballots must be received by Election Day, conflicting with current practice in 18 states
- The Attorney General is directed to collaborate with state officials to uncover election fraud
Trump Takes Action to Secure Elections
President Trump has taken decisive action to protect the integrity of American elections by signing an executive order that requires proof of citizenship for voting in federal elections. The order mandates that all voter registration forms include government-verified documentation of citizenship, ensuring that only eligible American citizens can participate in our democratic process. This measure strengthens election security and addresses longstanding concerns about potential voter fraud that have undermined public confidence in our electoral systems.
The executive order directs the Election Assistance Commission to revise voter registration forms to require U.S. passports or government-issued identification that confirms citizenship status. This represents a significant shift from the current system, where individuals simply swear citizenship under penalty of perjury without providing documentary evidence. The order also requires all ballots to be received by Election Day, a provision that conflicts with current practices in 18 states and Puerto Rico that allow for counting ballots received after Election Day.
HUGE WIN for election integrity. President Trump is keeping his promise to secure our elections.
Requiring proof of citizenship, paper ballot trails, and investigating fraud are all commonsense steps to protect the vote. https://t.co/ruG23nA3SX
— Michael Whatley (@ChairmanWhatley) March 25, 2025
Financial Leverage for Compliance
In a shrewd move that demonstrates Trump’s commitment to election integrity, the executive order includes a provision that ties states’ adherence to these federal guidelines to their eligibility for federal funding related to elections. States that refuse to implement citizenship verification requirements risk losing crucial federal support, creating a powerful incentive for compliance. This approach mirrors successful strategies Trump has used in other policy areas to ensure state cooperation with federal priorities.
“Thank you, President Trump, for this executive order ensuring that only American citizens decide American elections. This is a great first step for election integrity reform nationwide,” said Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, underscoring the support from state election officials who have advocated for stronger security measures.
The order also rescinds a 2021 executive order by former President Biden that aimed to boost voter registration through federal agencies. Critics had argued that Biden’s directive increased the risk of non-citizens accidentally registering to vote through interactions with government agencies. Trump’s reversal of this policy aligns with his administration’s broader focus on election security over expanded access.
Enforcing Citizenship Requirements
A key component of the executive order is the directive for the Attorney General to work collaboratively with state election authorities to uncover instances of election fraud. This partnership between federal and state officials creates a more robust framework for identifying and addressing violations of election law, particularly those involving non-citizens attempting to vote. The order explicitly addresses what many Republicans have long argued: that previous administrations prevented states from effectively removing illegal immigrants from voter rolls.
“This will end it, hopefully,” President Trump declared when signing the order, highlighting his confidence in the measure’s effectiveness at curtailing illegal voting.
The executive order also prohibits election equipment that uses QR codes, which could require states to purchase new voting equipment. This provision addresses concerns about the security and auditability of some electronic voting systems that rely on machine-readable codes rather than human-readable ballots. While this requirement may impose costs on states, it represents an important investment in the integrity and transparency of our electoral infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
President Trump has indicated that this executive order is just the first in a series of actions his administration plans to take to safeguard American elections. Trump’s proactive approach demonstrates his commitment to addressing vulnerabilities in our electoral system before they can be exploited. While voting rights organizations are expected to challenge the order, citing concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement, the administration appears confident in the legal footing of these measures.
The order effectively bypasses the anticipated Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act) that congressional Republicans had been working on, allowing for immediate implementation of these critical safeguards rather than waiting for legislative action. This decisive executive approach ensures that crucial election integrity measures will be in place well before the next federal election cycle, providing Americans with greater confidence in their electoral system.
