By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/thune-throws-cold-water-on-trumps-call-to-nationalize-u-s-elections Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Thune throws cold water on Trump's call to 'nationalize' U.S. elections Politics Feb 3, 2026 2:10 PM EST "I'm not in favor of federalizing elections," Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters Tuesday, pointing to Constitutional requirements that states conduct their own elections. WATCH: Warner blasts Trump, Gabbard involvement in FBI search on Fulton County election office The president said in a Monday podcast interview that Republicans should "take over" elections in as many 15 states. Trump's calls come amid a push among Republicans in Congress to tighten voting requirements nationwide. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. "I'm a big believer in decentralizing and distributing power," Thune added. READ MORE: Why voting rights groups warn the SAVE Act may make it harder for married women to vote However, the South Dakota Republican said he is supporting legislation known as the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The House has already passed the bill, but Republicans have not been able to overcome the 60-vote threshold required by the Senate's filibuster rules. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
"I'm not in favor of federalizing elections," Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters Tuesday, pointing to Constitutional requirements that states conduct their own elections. WATCH: Warner blasts Trump, Gabbard involvement in FBI search on Fulton County election office The president said in a Monday podcast interview that Republicans should "take over" elections in as many 15 states. Trump's calls come amid a push among Republicans in Congress to tighten voting requirements nationwide. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. "I'm a big believer in decentralizing and distributing power," Thune added. READ MORE: Why voting rights groups warn the SAVE Act may make it harder for married women to vote However, the South Dakota Republican said he is supporting legislation known as the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The House has already passed the bill, but Republicans have not been able to overcome the 60-vote threshold required by the Senate's filibuster rules. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now