The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Feb. 4, 2026
In a stunning phone interview February 2nd, President Donald Trump suggested Republicans should take over the voting in 15 states, though it’s not clear to which states the president was referring. The statement follows seizure of three truckloads of 2020 ballots last week in Georgia, fueling speculation that there may be an attempt to subvert the 2026 midterm election.
Speaking with Dan Bongino, a podcaster, Trump loyalist, and a recent deputy FBI director who resigned from his post in January, Trump rambled through a list of 2020 grievances, calling states he claims he won “crooked,” and repeating his debunked claims of widespread noncitizen voting.
(Audio from The Dan Bongino show)
“These people were brought to our country to vote and they vote illegally. Amazing that the Republicans aren’t tougher on it. The Republicans should say, we want to take over. We should take over the voting, the voting in at least, many, 15 places. The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting,” said the President.
Such actions are clearly contrary to the U.S. Constitution’s Elections Clause, which assigns administration of elections to the states and Congress. Nebraska Republican Representative Don Bacon posted, “I opposed nationalizing elections when Speaker Pelosi wanted major changes to elections in all 50 states. I’ll oppose this now as well.”
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows quipped on Instagram that she was sending a pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution to the White House, because “they had apparently lost theirs.”
We’ve linked to more, at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
The Dan Bongino Show (via journalist Aaron Rupar on Bluesky) – Feb. 2 Interview with President Donald Trump
U.S. Congress – The U.S. Constitution’s Elections Clause
Newsweek – Trump’s Call to Nationalize Elections Sparks Concerns
The Hill – Trump suggests GOP should ‘take over’ voting process in multiple states ahead of midterms
Brennan Center for Justice – The Power Struggle Over Elections
Nebraska U.S. Rep. Don Bacon – Post opposing President Trump’s comment on nationalizing elections
Associated Press – After quiet off-year elections, Democrats renew worries about Trump interfering in the midterms
Groups Taking Action:
Campaign Legal Center, Protect Democracy, States United Democracy Center
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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