Trump Allies Circulate Draft Executive Order Alleging Chinese Election Interference

Activists who support President Donald Trump say they are coordinating with the White House and circulating a draft executive order alleging that China interfered in the 2020 presidential election. The document argues such findings could justify declaring a national emergency.

The proposed order includes restrictions on mailed ballots and voting machines, which activists claim could be potential avenues for foreign influence. Trump has repeatedly called for stronger voter identification requirements and tighter controls on mail-in voting ahead of upcoming elections. He has also pressed Congress to pass legislation requiring proof of citizenship for registration and a uniform photo ID standard for ballot casting.

The House has approved such legislation, but it faces an uncertain path in the Senate. Activists behind the draft believe it could factor into broader executive action if Congress does not move forward.

A White House spokeswoman stated that President Trump is committed to ensuring Americans have full confidence in election administration and has urged Congress to pass the SAVE Act and other proposals establishing uniform photo ID requirements, prohibiting no-excuse mail-in voting, and ending ballot harvesting.

Peter Ticktin, a Florida lawyer who supports the draft, noted that “under the Constitution, it’s the legislatures and states that really control how a state conducts its elections, and the president doesn’t have any power to do that.” He added that the president is aware of foreign interests interfering in election processes, which he argues creates a national emergency.

Legal scholars note that any attempt by the executive branch to impose sweeping federal election changes would likely face immediate court challenges. A 2021 U.S. intelligence community review concluded that China considered efforts to influence the 2020 election but did not carry them out.

Trump has continued to question the outcome of the 2020 contest and suggested further action may be necessary to restore public confidence in the electoral system. A White House spokesperson reiterated that staff regularly communicates with outside advocates presenting policy ideas, but any speculation about policies the president may announce remains unverified.

By Alex Johnson | Thursday, 26 February 2026 03:15 PM EST