UPDATE: Pro-Trump activists are urgently calling for President Donald Trump to declare a national emergency over allegations of Chinese interference in the 2020 presidential election. A draft executive order, which surfaced on February 26, 2026, proposes that Trump take sweeping unilateral control over voting processes across the country, with implications for the upcoming midterms.
The 17-page document was reported by the Washington Post, revealing that activists claim to be working closely with the White House. If enacted, this order could strip mail-in ballots and electronic voting machines, mandating instead a return to hand-counted ballots. The primary author, attorney Peter Ticktin, who has ties to Trump dating back to their time at the New York Military Academy, indicated he has coordinated with White House officials during the drafting process.
Ticktin, who also represents Tina Peters, the former Colorado clerk convicted for election-related crimes, emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “Get rid of the machines. That’s what we need to do right away.” The proposed order aims to use claims of foreign interference as a justification for sweeping changes, despite a definitive March 2021 report from the Intelligence Community that explicitly stated, “China did not deploy interference efforts” during the election.
The urgency behind these efforts is fueled by stalled legislation in Congress. The Senate has shown no support for the SAVE America Act, which would require strict voter ID laws. Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed on February 25 that the bill lacks a path forward in the current political climate. In response, Trump has signaled plans for unilateral action, declaring through a Truth Social post that there will be voter ID requirements “whether approved by Congress or not!”
Former White House strategist Steve Bannon has rallied support for the narrative surrounding the “Big Steal” of the 2020 election, further complicating the political landscape. In a joint statement, Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Joe Morelle condemned the draft order, asserting that it is based on “debunked claims” and threatens the integrity of American democracy.
As this situation develops, the potential for legal challenges looms large. If Trump proceeds with the order, it could redefine the scope of executive power over elections and democracy in the United States for years to come. The stakes are high, and the political ramifications are expected to unfold rapidly.
Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story as it impacts the future of voting in America.
