On Tuesday, a federal judge appointed by former President Obama invalidated essential portions of President Donald Trump’s executive order on election integrity. U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper deemed Trump’s March 25, 2025, executive order unconstitutional, asserting that it exceeded the bounds of presidential authority. The order sought to alter election protocols without congressional approval.
Judge Casper highlighted that while the Constitution equips the President with significant executive power, it does not confer authority over election processes. The President lacks a direct role in appointing electors and controlling state officials involved in elections. The ruling resonated with a broader critique from conservatives, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who commented on the judiciary’s trajectory.
“We hope Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts acknowledges the course set by these judges,” Miller stated.
The lawsuit questioning the executive order involved 19 states. The ruling is celebrated by plaintiff states like California, led by Attorney General Rob Bonta, who viewed it as a triumph in preserving state regulatory rights over elections.
Judge Casper’s decision permanently halts the application of certain executive order provisions. These included demands for citizenship documentation on federal voter registration forms, reforms designed for military and overseas voters, and threats to withhold federal funding from non-compliant states. Casper affirmed such actions as unconstitutional and a breach of federal statutes.
The executive order contravened acts like the National Voter Registration Act and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Additional parts of the order like proof-of-citizenship for federal voter registration were previously blocked by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in April 2025.
The ruling arrives amidst Republican endeavors advocating for the SAVE Act, which is aimed at introducing documentary proof of citizenship for federal election registration. Although the House passed this legislation, a challenging path awaits in the Senate. Former President Trump continues to emphasize the SAVE Act’s significance, urging Senate Republicans to bypass the filibuster to ensure its legislation.
The question remains concerning the federal government’s ability to impose conditions on election funding for specific states. Parties involved have until July 10 to decide on pursuing litigation of this issue.
Fox News Digital sought comment from the White House on these developments. The article concludes with insights from Elaine Mallon, a journalist covering national politics for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.
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