By Trendsetter Tribune 
In an escalation of election rhetoric ahead of the 2026 midterms, President Donald Trump has sparked intense debate by calling on Republicans to “nationalize” and “take over” voting in at least 15 locations. The comments, made during a recent podcast interview with former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, coincide with an unprecedented FBI search of the Fulton County Election Hub in Georgia.
While the White House argues these comments refer to legislative efforts like the SAVE Act, critics and constitutional experts warn that the move could undermine the centuries-old tradition of state-led election administration.
The Constitutional Clash: State vs. Federal Power
Under the U.S. Constitution, election oversight is reserved for state and local governments. Trump’s suggestion of a federal “takeover” has met with resistance even from within his own party.+1
- John Thune (Senate Majority Leader): Stated he is “not in favor of federalizing elections,” citing the security benefits of a decentralized system.
- Mark Warner (Democratic Senator): Expressed concern that these moves are less about the 2020 election and more about influencing the upcoming November 2026 midterms.
The SAVE Act: The White House Defense
The Trump administration maintains that “nationalization” refers to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This bill would standardize several requirements across all 50 states:
| Provision | Impact |
| Proof of Citizenship | Requires documentary proof (passport/birth certificate) to register. |
| Bans Universal Mail-In | Requires an application to receive a mail ballot. |
| Voter Roll Purges | Mandates list maintenance every 30 days. |
| Photo ID | Implements a strict federal photo ID requirement for all states. |
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, stating it is a “commonsense” policy aimed at preventing irregularities, though opponents argue it would disenfranchise millions who lack easy access to these documents.
The Fulton County Raid and Tulsi Gabbard
Simultaneous with these comments, the FBI executed a search warrant at the Fulton County election office in Georgia, seizing 2020 ballots and tabulator tapes. The presence of Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), at the raid has caused a political firestorm.+1
“I attended the FBI search… because President Donald Trump asked me to be there,” Gabbard explained in a letter to lawmakers, asserting she was investigating potential “vulnerabilities” in electronic voting systems.
Why it’s controversial:
- Domestic vs. Foreign: The DNI typically focuses on foreign threats, while the FBI handles domestic law enforcement.
- Direct Communication: Reports indicate Gabbard “facilitated” a call between Trump and the agents on the ground, a rare level of presidential involvement in an active investigation.
- Legal Targets: Local officials, including Fulton County Board Chairman Rob Pitts, say they have been told they are personal targets of the investigation.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Midterms
With the House and Senate control at stake this November, the “nationalization” debate is set to be a defining issue of the campaign season. Democrats currently need to flip only three districts to gain control of the House, while Republicans are using “election integrity” as a central pillar of their platform.
What do you think? Should the federal government have more control over how states run their elections, or should the power remain local?
Would you like me to generate a comparative table showing the specific voter ID requirements currently in place in the “15 places” Trump mentioned?
Trump certified as winner of 2024 presidential election
This video provides important context on President Trump’s current standing and the certification of his 2024 victory, which informs his current administration’s focus on election policy.