Democratic governors released a joint statement on Thursday saying that Americans should have the right to vote "without interference from the federal government."
The statement comes after Trump said on a podcast earlier this week that Republicans should "take over" elections in some jurisdictions.
WATCH: White House says Trump was referring to SAVE Act when he advocated nationalizing elections
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said he was referring to a push that voters prove they are U.S. citizens, though Trump still described states as an "agent for the federal government" when it comes to elections.