The Trump administration has cautioned US states that they could forfeit federal election funding if they do not implement enhanced security measures. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized the need for states to bolster voting systems and review their registration lists to qualify for grants or reimbursement. Mullin stated that states neglecting election security would not be financially supported by taxpayers.
Mullin disclosed that the Department of Homeland Security had identified 250,000 non-citizens registered to vote in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Nevada. Additionally, 28,000 non-citizens were found on voter rolls across 23 states collaborating with the department. The administration also uncovered 400,000 deceased individuals still registered to vote.
The department is meticulously examining records to ascertain if non-citizens or deceased registrants had cast ballots and where. Mullin affirmed that those found to have voted illegally would be prosecuted. He also raised concerns about foreign adversaries potentially tampering with US voting machines to manipulate voter registration details or votes.
Mullin highlighted the collaboration with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to safeguard military voting systems and the forthcoming release of an updated election infrastructure plan by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within 30 days. He urged all states to participate in the SAVE program for voter roll verification, emphasizing election security as a critical national issue requiring bipartisan support.
Officials who withhold intelligence on election vulnerabilities could face criminal charges or administrative penalties, Mullin warned. While state and local authorities oversee elections, the federal government offers security aid, intelligence, and financial backing. Voting in federal elections is exclusively reserved for US citizens.
