The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Aug. 20, 2025
On Truth Social August 18th, President Donald Trump threatened to end the use of mail-in ballots and voting machines in the United States, claiming it was responsible for massive voter fraud. There is no evidence of widespread fraud from either, and the U.S. Constitution grants states control of the “Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections.”
Article I, Section 4, Clause 1:
– U.S Constitution
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.
After a widely-panned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, plummeting approval ratings and continuing fallout from the Epstein files, the post is more likely intended to shore up support among his hard core MAGA base.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, QUOTE, “I am going to lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS, and also while we’re at it, Highly ‘Inaccurate,’ Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial Voting Machines.” He continued later in the post that “WE WILL BEGIN THIS EFFORT . . . by signing an EXECUTIVE ORDER to help bring HONESTY to the 2026 Midterm Elections,” UNQUOTE.
The dominant type of voting machine, electronic ballot tabulators, are less expensive and far more accurate than hand counting.
In the post and in an Aug. 15th Sean Hannity interview, Trump also claimed the U.S. was the last country to still use mail-in ballots. PolitiFact reports there are 34 countries where mail balloting is used.
We have the text of the Truth Social post, the U.S. Constitution’s elections clause, and a transcript of the Hannity interview at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Truth Social – Post by President Donald Trump Threatening to End Use of Mail-In Voting and Voting Machines
U.S. Congress – U.S. Constitution: ArtI.S4.C1.2 States and Elections Clause
Axios – Trump raises end to mail-in ballots after claiming Putin questioned their security
PolitiFact – Trump said the US is the ‘only country’ that uses mail-in voting. That’s wrong.
Roll Call – Transcript of Aug. 15, 2025 Interview with Sean Hannity
Brennan Center for Justice – Hand-Counting Votes: A Proven Bad Idea
MIT Election Data & Science Lab – Voting by mail and absentee voting
U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Election Mail Security
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency – Statement from CISA Director Easterly on the Security of the 2022 Elections
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Voting System Security Measures
Groups Taking Action:
National Vote at Home Institute, Protect Elections
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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