President Donald Trump is expanding his fight against mail-in voting by directing the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to play a larger role in verifying voter eligibility for absentee ballots. The controversial move has sparked legal challenges, concerns inside the Postal Service, and warnings from voting-rights advocates who argue the plan could undermine election administration and voter access.
What Happened
According to a report by CNN, President Trump signed an executive order in March requiring the Postal Service to work with states on determining who is eligible to vote by mail.
The order would push USPS beyond its traditional role of delivering ballots and into helping enforce voter eligibility standards.
Under the proposal, the federal government would help create “state citizenship lists” using federal databases such as Social Security and immigration records. States would then be encouraged to compare voter rolls against those lists.
The order also calls for USPS to stop delivering absentee ballots connected to voters deemed ineligible.
Why the Executive Order Is Controversial
Concerns Over Constitutional Authority
Voting-rights groups and several Democratic-led states have filed lawsuits arguing that the executive order violates the Constitution because states — not the federal government — oversee election administration.
Legal experts cited in the report said the courts are likely to scrutinize the order heavily, especially because similar Trump administration voting directives have previously been blocked.
Critics also warn that turning USPS into what they describe as a “gatekeeper” for voter eligibility could politicize an agency traditionally viewed as independent and nonpartisan.
USPS Faces Operational and Financial Pressure
The Postal Service is already dealing with severe financial challenges.
USPS recently reported nearly $2 billion in quarterly losses, and agency leaders have warned Congress the organization could run out of money within a year without federal assistance.
Current and former postal officials questioned whether USPS has the resources, infrastructure, or legal authority to take on election enforcement responsibilities.
Union leaders representing postal workers also raised concerns that employees could face legal risks if required to verify voter eligibility.
Trump’s Ongoing Mail-In Voting Campaign
Longstanding Claims About Mail Voting
Trump has repeatedly criticized mail-in voting since the 2020 election, claiming it increases the risk of voter fraud despite limited evidence of widespread abuse.
The new executive order marks one of the administration’s most aggressive attempts yet to reshape absentee voting procedures nationwide.
Supporters of the administration argue the measures are necessary to ensure election security and improve ballot tracking.
Conservative groups backing the order say it would help guarantee that mail ballots are delivered only to verified eligible voters.
Democratic States Push Back
Several Democratic-led states, including Oregon, are already challenging the order in federal court.
Election officials argue the proposal conflicts with existing state election laws, especially deadlines for voter registration and absentee ballot requests.
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USPS Caught Between Politics and Independence
Internal Debate Inside the Postal Service
USPS leaders are reportedly debating how far the agency can legally comply with Trump’s order.
One possible approach under discussion would require states to provide USPS with official voter lists when absentee ballots are mailed.
However, some officials inside the agency remain concerned about whether maintaining voter eligibility lists exceeds the Postal Service’s authority.
Former USPS leaders warned implementing the order before the midterm elections could create widespread confusion and operational problems.
Board Reshaping Raises New Questions
Trump has also nominated four candidates to the USPS Board of Governors, potentially reshaping the leadership structure of the agency.
Critics fear those appointments could make the board more supportive of the administration’s election-related agenda.
At the same time, the Postal Service remains dependent on Congress and the White House for potential financial reforms and long-term funding stability.
What Happens Next
Federal courts are expected to rule soon on multiple lawsuits challenging the executive order, with one hearing scheduled before USPS begins its formal rulemaking process later this month.
The legal battles could determine how much authority the White House has over mail-in voting procedures and the Postal Service’s future role in elections.
The outcome may also influence election administration ahead of the 2026 midterms, where mail-in voting is expected to remain a major political issue nationwide.
The order directs USPS to work with states on verifying eligibility for mail-in voting and absentee ballot delivery.
Critics argue the Constitution gives election authority to states, not the federal government or USPS.