The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for July 27, 2026
The Trump administration threatened to withhold 20% of routine FEMA emergency disaster funding unless states complied with Department of Justice demands to turn over voter information for the SAVE database. July 23rd, 24 states and DC sued, arguing the administration again broke federal law.
The Trump DOJ had earlier sued most of the same states, demanding the data. But by the latest count, DOJ is now 0-17 in those cases. So instead, the administration turned to withholding funding.
July 10, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin issued conditions to receive the full amount, which includes several election reforms. States must provide plans on transitioning from bar code and QR code ballot systems, a manual audit of 5% of ballots after every election, turning over state voter data, and citizenship verification using the notoriously unreliable SAVE database.
Arguing the withholding violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Article 1, Section 8 spending clause of the U.S. Constitution, 24 states and DC sued in a Rhode Island federal court on July 23rd. The complaint states, “Congress never gave DHS or FEMA authority to rewrite state election law, require cooperation with federal immigration agents, or terminate federal funding streams at any time and for any reason.”
We’ve linked the DHS statement and the states’ complaint at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security – DHS Requires States to Adopt Common-Sense Election Security Measures Before Receiving Federal Funds
Just Security – No, Trump Can’t Withhold Anti-Terrorism Funds to Pressure States to Change Their Election Rules
U.S. District Court for Rhode Island (via Courthouse News Service) Complaint by Coalition of 24 States & DC
Courthouse News Service – States challenge Trump administration’s immigration and election requirements for grants
U.S. Congress – Article 1, Section 8, U.S. Constitution “Spending Clause”
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Trump’s DHS, Having Had SAVE Database Compliance Blocked by Courts, Reportedly Turns to Withholding State Election Security Funding
Groups Taking Action:
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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