UPDATE: Pro-Trump activists are urgently advocating for President Donald Trump to declare a national emergency over alleged Chinese interference in the 2020 presidential election. A leaked 17-page draft order, first reported by the Washington Post on February 26, 2026, claims this interference justifies sweeping presidential powers over voting rules ahead of the November midterms.
The executive order, if signed, would allow Trump to unilaterally ban mail-in ballots and electronic voting machines, labeling them as threats to election integrity. The proposed changes include a mandate for hand-counted ballots, a move that supporters argue is necessary to prevent foreign influence. Key advocate and attorney Peter Ticktin, who collaborated with Trump during his legal battles, stated, “The most important provision, if you ask me, is the hand counting.”
This push comes amidst a backdrop of political turmoil, with Trump’s supporters claiming that foreign powers meddled in the election process. However, these assertions starkly contradict findings from the Intelligence Community Assessment, released on March 16, 2021, which concluded with high confidence that “China did not deploy interference efforts” to alter the election outcome.
The urgency of this movement is amplified by Trump’s recent frustrations with Congress. He has been demanding that the Senate pass the SAVE America Act, which aims to impose strict voter ID requirements. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed on February 25 that the bill is unlikely to advance due to bipartisan opposition. Trump has threatened to take unilateral action, stating on February 13 via Truth Social, “There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not!”
As this situation develops, the legal implications of such an executive order could be significant. Critics, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have already decried the legality of any order based on these “debunked claims.” If Trump proceeds, the ramifications on executive power over American democracy could be profound.
The draft order’s primary author, Ticktin, has acknowledged the constitutional challenges but insists that an emergency declaration could override state control over elections. He has been in contact with key figures in Trump’s inner circle, including former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and business leaders like Mike Lindell.
Despite the controversial nature of the draft, its backers are pushing forward, citing a need for immediate action. Ticktin noted that revelations about foreign involvement are setting the stage for necessary legal arguments in favor of the order.
As these developments unfold, the political landscape is charged, with both support and opposition intensifying. The call for a national emergency based on disputed claims may redefine the boundaries of executive authority in the United States, making this a crucial moment in the ongoing debate over election integrity.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and the potential consequences of this executive order become clearer.
