Concerns grow that the Trump administration could meddle in U.S. midterm elections

President Trump urged Republicans to "take over" elections in some states and called for federal involvement in vote counting, and the White House said he was referring to the proposed SAVE Act; critics and some election officials have expressed concern about possible federal interference ahead of the midterms.

President Donald Trump recently urged Republicans to "take over" elections in at least 15 states and called for federal involvement in vote counting. Those remarks, made during a podcast and repeated in the Oval Office, have prompted criticism and concern from observers, former officials and some lawmakers. The White House said the president was referring to the proposed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship to register in person, though Trump did not explicitly cite the bill in the comments noted by reporters. Election experts and some state officials say the remarks raise questions about possible politicization of election administration ahead of the midterm contests. Key reported facts: - President Trump publicly urged Republicans to "take over" elections in certain states and suggested federal oversight of vote counting, as reported in a podcast interview and later remarks in the Oval Office. - The White House told reporters the president was referring to the SAVE Act, a proposed bill that would tighten documentary proof requirements for voter registration; Trump did not explicitly mention the bill during the cited comments. - Critics, including former elected officials and constitutional scholars, described the remarks as raising concerns about politicizing elections, and some state election officials are reported to be preparing measures to limit federal law-enforcement interactions at polling places. Summary: The comments have heightened debate over potential federal intrusion into state-run elections and prompted attention from legal experts, elected officials and election administrators. Election officials in some states are reported to be taking preparatory steps, while broader legal and political responses are still unfolding. Undetermined at this time.