Federal Court Blocks Trump Executive Order Imposing Voter Citizenship Proof

A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked key provisions of President Donald Trump's 2025 executive order on elections, including the requirement for documentary proof of citizenship for federal voter registration. The ruling came after a coalition of 20 Democratic state attorneys general, including those from Maryland and Vermont, challenged the order as unconstitutional and an overreach of presidential authority. The court found that the president cannot unilaterally impose changes to voter registration rules that are under congressional jurisdiction and require a formal rulemaking process involving states. State officials praised the decision as a victory for protecting voter rights and state autonomy, emphasizing the importance of accessible and secure elections. The Trump administration defended the order as necessary for ensuring free and honest elections, but the judge ruled that the order would impose significant burdens and costs on states and potentially disenfranchise eligible voters. The legal battle continues as states and the federal government contest the scope of election oversight authority.