President Donald Trump declined to rule out declaring a national emergency in relation to the November midterm elections when asked about using such powers to impose tighter voting rules. His response has drawn attention because election administration is primarily a state responsibility, and any attempt to use emergency powers to alter it would likely prompt major legal and political challenges.

In an interview, Trump was told that an emergency declaration could be used to require photo identification, proof of citizenship and limits on postal voting; he replied that “stranger things have happened” and left the matter open. The comments follow reports that allies have discussed a draft executive order concerning election rules, although Trump has previously said he was not considering an emergency declaration; the midterms are scheduled for 3 November 2026.