Judge Strikes Down Parts of Trump Executive Order on Election Integrity

A federal judge appointed by Obama has invalidated key sections of President Donald Trump’s executive order on election integrity. U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper ruled that Trump’s order overstepped presidential authority and violated the constitutional separation of powers.

Judge Casper found that the executive order, titled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” attempted to change election rules, which exceeds presidential authority. She noted that the President does not have specific powers over elections and plays no direct role in the appointment of electors or the control of state officials.

The Constitution vests the President with ‘executive Power’… it does not grant the President any specific powers over elections.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller expressed concern on social media, hoping that Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts would address the path taken by the judiciary.

Previously, Judge Casper had issued a preliminary injunction on key provisions of the order while the lawsuit was pending. This legal challenge was initiated by 19 states and was heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a lead plaintiff in the case, celebrated the ruling as a victory for the states. He stated:

We sued President Trump over his attempt to unilaterally impose voting restrictions across the country — and we won.

Judge Casper’s decision permanently prohibits the administration from implementing parts of the order, including those requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, changing voting requirements for military and overseas voters, and withholding federal election fundings from non-compliant states.

Citing constitutional violations and conflicts with federal statutes, Casper stated these provisions are unconstitutional and void for being beyond authority and violating the United States Constitution’s separation of powers.

Trump had signed the order arguing for stronger safeguards to ensure election integrity and compliance with federal laws. The order claimed a need to restore trust and strengthen voter citizenship verification.

Trump’s order faced previous judicial blocks, including by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. Republican lawmakers continue advocating for the SAVE Act, legislation aiming to require proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections.

Judge Casper’s ruling left one unresolved issue regarding federal funding conditions for state election-related purposes. Parties have until July 10 to determine further litigation.

Fox News Digital sought comments from the White House on the ruling.