President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to blast The New York Times and Harvard University. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Prominent Republicans have hesitated to fall in behind Trump on the issue. Senate Majority Leader John Thune outright rejected the idea when asked about it later Tuesday.
"I’m not in favor of federalizing elections, no. I think that’s a constitutional issue," he told reporters.
HOUSE REPUBLICANS PUSH ELECTION OVERHAUL WITH VOTER ID, MAIL-IN BALLOT CHANGES AHEAD OF MIDTERMS
House Speaker Mike Johnson sought to make excuses for Trump's suggestion when he was asked about the issue. He argued Trump was simply "expressing his frustration" about election issues. Nevertheless, he ultimately said he would not support federalizing elections either.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted the idea of a federal election takeover. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson later clarified Trump's comments in a statement to ABC News. She argued Trump was expressing his desire for the U.S. to have free and fair elections.
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"President Trump cares deeply about the safety and security of our elections – that’s why he’s urged Congress to pass the SAVE Act and other legislative proposals that would establish a uniform standard of photo ID for voting, prohibit no-excuse mail-in voting, and end the practice of ballot harvesting," Jackson said.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on X: @Hagstrom_Anders.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-doubles-down-calls-gop-nationalize-voting-congressional-leaders-balk