In a bold new podcast interview, former President Donald Trump has reiterated his controversial stance on election control, advocating for Republicans to “nationalize” voting in key areas across the United States. Trump’s remarks come as the country remains embroiled in debates over election integrity, with the former president continuing to push unfounded claims about fraud in the 2020 election.
Speaking to former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, Trump boldly declared, “The Republicans should say: ‘We want to take over. We should take over the voting in at least 15 places.’ The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting.” His comments have drawn immediate attention, particularly as American elections are traditionally governed by state law and local officials manage voting administration. Trump’s push for a federal takeover of the electoral process has raised concerns about the potential erosion of states’ rights.
While Trump did not specify which 15 regions he believes should be nationalized, his comments underscore his ongoing feud with the current administration and his attempts to retain control of Republican-led policies, particularly around the issue of immigration.
These latest remarks follow a series of high-profile events that have further fueled Trump’s claims of electoral fraud. Just days prior, the FBI conducted a raid on an elections office in Georgia, targeting voting records from the controversial 2020 election. The FBI’s actions, described as a “court-authorized law enforcement activity” in the agency’s statement, sparked outrage among local officials, including Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory, who called the investigation “an assault on your vote.”
Trump seized on the FBI raid, claiming it was further evidence that the 2020 election was “stolen.” Despite multiple investigations and court rulings that found no widespread fraud, Trump continues to assert that his narrow defeat in Georgia was the result of voter manipulation, a claim that both state and federal officials have debunked.
In the podcast interview, Trump claimed he won the 2020 election “in a landslide” and repeated his baseless accusations of illegal voting. “People vote illegally,” he said without offering any evidence to back up his allegations. This narrative of widespread voter fraud has been central to Trump’s rhetoric since his defeat in 2020, despite no concrete proof to substantiate his claims.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s position on election integrity is not new. Trump’s legal battles over the 2020 election have already been marked by two high-profile criminal cases. The former president faces charges related to alleged interference in Georgia’s elections, though the cases have seen varying levels of success. Trump’s attempt to overturn the election results in Georgia ultimately collapsed, but the specter of election-related legal challenges continues to haunt his political career.
The White House has consistently distanced itself from Trump’s claims, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterating that President Biden “believes in the United States Constitution.” However, she acknowledged that there have been “fraud and irregularities that have taken place in American elections.” The administration’s focus, she said, remains on ensuring that voter identification and eligibility laws are enforced, citing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. This proposed bill would require voters to show documentary proof of citizenship at the time of registration.
Proponents of the act argue that it would reduce voter fraud, which experts say remains rare. However, critics contend that such laws would impose undue burdens on legitimate U.S. citizens seeking to register to vote, especially those from marginalized communities who may lack easy access to the required documentation.
Trump’s push for stricter voting laws, including the requirement for proof of citizenship, is directly tied to his broader immigration agenda. In the podcast, Trump reiterated that the Republican Party must act swiftly to deport undocumented immigrants. “If Republicans don’t get them out, you will never win another election as a Republican,” Trump warned. The former president’s views on immigration and election integrity are closely linked, as he seeks to solidify his political base by appealing to hardline conservative values on both issues.
Meanwhile, the FBI’s ongoing investigation into election-related misconduct has drawn sharp criticism from local officials. The raid in Fulton County, Georgia, targeted records related to the 2020 election, sparking anger from local Democrats. Some see the investigation as politically motivated, claiming it is an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the election results.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who was reportedly present for the raid, has defended her involvement, claiming it was necessary to oversee the intelligence-gathering process. Gabbard emphasized that her role was to ensure national security and safeguard against foreign interference in U.S. elections, but her participation in the raid has raised questions about the operation’s political implications.
The FBI’s contact with Trump, reported by The New York Times, has also caused a stir. Gabbard confirmed that a phone call took place between Trump and FBI agents on the ground during the raid. While Gabbard maintained that no directives were issued during the conversation, the idea of a president directly communicating with on-the-ground law enforcement during an investigation is highly unusual and has raised concerns about the politicization of federal agencies.
As Trump continues to fuel his narrative of election fraud, the Republican Party finds itself at a crossroads. While some Republicans support his push for stricter election laws and immigration reform, others are increasingly concerned that his rhetoric could alienate key swing voters. Trump’s grip on the party remains strong, but his divisive approach to national politics could have long-term consequences for the GOP.
Looking ahead, Trump’s remarks on nationalizing voting and his continued battle over the 2020 election will likely remain central to the Republican agenda in the coming years. As he eyes a potential run in 2024, his political future seems inextricably linked to his ability to maintain support among his base while simultaneously defending his vision of America’s electoral process.
The debate over election integrity, immigration, and voting rights is far from over. As Trump’s influence continues to shape the direction of the Republican Party, the country will remain deeply divided over the future of its democratic processes. The battle for control over U.S. elections is not only a fight for power—it is a fight for the soul of American democracy.
