President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday directing federal agencies to create a nationwide list of eligible voters, a mandate expected to trigger immediate legal battles as critics warn the directive exceeds presidential authority and threatens state control of elections. Federal Agencies Tasked With Voter Database The order instructs the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration to compile voter eligibility lists for each state. Trump also directed the U.S. Postal Service to refuse delivering absentee ballots to anyone not appearing on state-approved lists, though legal experts question whether the president possesses authority over Postal Service operations. The directive additionally requires ballots to include secure envelopes featuring unique tracking barcodes. Legal Challenges Mount Against Election Orders This represents Trump’s second major election executive order, following a March 2025 directive that sought sweeping changes including documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements for federal voter registration and Election Day ballot receipt deadlines. Courts blocked substantial portions of that earlier order after voting rights organizations and Democratic attorneys general filed lawsuits alleging unconstitutional federal overreach. David Becker, a former Justice Department attorney, stated the new order demonstrates Trump has not learned from previous blocked attempts to control state-run elections. Allegations and Constitutional Concerns During the signing ceremony, Trump repeated unsubstantiated claims about mail ballot fraud, stating the order would help with elections. Multiple audits, investigations, and court proceedings have debunked his allegations of widespread voter fraud. Trump previously told a conservative podcaster he wants to take over elections from Democratic-controlled areas, citing fraud claims that numerous official reviews have disproven. Constitutional scholars maintain states possess primary authority over election administration, making federal mandates of this scope legally vulnerable to judicial review. Sources Pbs: WATCH: Trump signs executive order to create national list of eligible voters