Trump’s Mail-Vote Crackdown Can Now Move Forward, Says Official

A top Trump ally says federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service, are now free to enforce new safeguards on mail-in ballots. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that handed the former president a legal victory. Gene Hamilton, a former Justice Department official and key figure behind the policy, confirmed the shift. He said the high court’s decision removes a major barrier, allowing agencies like USPS to implement stricter rules on absentee and mail voting. The Supreme Court’s ruling did not create new law. Instead, it cleared the way for federal action that had been blocked by lower courts. Hamilton called the decision a “green light” for the administration’s election integrity measures. Critics argue the safeguards could suppress voter turnout, especially among groups that rely on mail voting. Supporters say the steps are needed to prevent fraud, though evidence of widespread mail-in fraud remains scarce. The practical impact is still unclear. States run their own elections, and federal agencies cannot directly change state voting rules. However, the USPS can adjust mail handling procedures, which may delay ballot delivery in tight races. Hamilton’s statement signals that the administration will move quickly. Legal challenges are expected from voting rights groups, setting up another court battle before the next election cycle. For now, the ruling gives federal officials a clear path—but the fight over mail voting is far from over.