Story perspectives

Senator Padilla: Trump's Election Emergency Declaration Illegal

3/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) warned that a national emergency declaration by U.S. President Donald Trump over the midterm elections would be illegal.
He said he would introduce a resolution to terminate such a declaration.
Trump claimed, without evidence, that election fraud is prevalent, especially in California.
Experts say the states, not the federal government, control elections.
Some Republicans, including Mitch McConnell, warned against broad presidential election control.

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Story summary

Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) warned that a national emergency declaration by U.S. President Donald Trump over the midterm elections would be illegal.
He said he would introduce a resolution to terminate such a declaration.
Trump claimed, without evidence, that election fraud is prevalent, especially in California.
Experts say the states, not the federal government, control elections.
Some Republicans, including Mitch McConnell, warned against broad presidential election control.