A federal judge on Wednesday delivered the most sweeping legal setback so far to President Donald Trump’s effort to require proof of citizenship for voter registration, ruling that the president lacks the authority to take such a direct role in the administration of federal elections.
In a written order, Chief Judge Denise L. Casper of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts concluded that neither federal law nor the Constitution grants the president the power to manage election procedures in the manner outlined by the administration’s executive order.
The ruling marks the third time a federal judge has struck down portions of Trump’s push for proof-of-citizenship requirements in voter registration, but it is the broadest decision yet addressing the administration’s election-related directives.
At the center of the dispute is Trump’s executive order titled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” issued in March 2025. The order sought to make significant changes to the administration of federal elections by directing the Election Assistance Commission to require proof of citizenship on national mail voter registration applications.
The order also targeted states that count properly postmarked mail-in ballots received after Election Day. Under the directive, the attorney general would be required to take action against such states, and they could potentially face the loss of federal funding.
Supporters of election integrity measures have long argued that confidence in elections depends on ensuring that only eligible citizens participate in the voting process. At the same time, the latest court ruling highlights an ongoing constitutional debate over who has the authority to establish and enforce election rules.
This story is developing…
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