A dramatic push is underway to potentially reshape the landscape of American elections. Attorneys with close ties to former President Trump are reportedly urging him to invoke sweeping presidential powers, citing a perceived national security threat.
The core of the plan revolves around a draft executive order, reportedly 17 pages long, that argues foreign interference – specifically from China – in the 2020 election warrants an unprecedented response. Proponents believe this interference continues to escalate, demanding immediate action.
Peter Ticktin, a long-time associate of Trump dating back to their days at New York Military Academy, is among those spearheading this effort. He and his colleagues contend the situation constitutes “an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.”
If enacted, the order could fundamentally alter how Americans vote. It proposes a nationwide mandate for voter ID, a ban on mail-in voting, and a requirement for all ballots to be counted manually, a significant departure from current practices.
Reports indicate the former President has already reviewed the draft order, fueling speculation that an announcement could be imminent. This development arrives amidst stalled legislative efforts to bolster election security, specifically the SAVE Act.
The White House has offered carefully worded responses, acknowledging that the President receives input from various advocates. However, officials have stopped short of dismissing the possibility of executive action, describing any discussion of potential policies as “speculation.”
A statement from a White House spokesperson emphasized the commitment to accurate voter rolls and reiterated the former President’s support for legislative measures like the SAVE Act, which seeks to establish uniform voting standards.
Legal experts are already questioning the viability of such an order, noting that changes to voting laws are traditionally enacted through Congress. However, proponents point to the extraordinary circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, when some states altered voting procedures via executive action.
Ticktin argues the current situation demands decisive leadership. He asserts the former President is fully aware of foreign interference and believes a national emergency declaration is necessary to address the threat and safeguard the integrity of future elections.
The debate centers on the balance between presidential authority and the established legislative process, raising fundamental questions about the future of election administration in the United States. The coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether this controversial plan moves forward.
