President Trump's Claims on Mail-in Voting: A Fact-Check

In recent months, President Donald Trump has made numerous unfounded assertions regarding voter fraud, particularly targeting mail-in voting. His rhetoric has escalated to include calls for a federal intervention in the electoral process, which has been echoed by allies in Congress and the Justice Department. These claims have been met with significant scrutiny and fact-checking efforts.

New York Times

Trump has repeatedly stated that "the cheating on mail-in voting is legendary," a claim that lacks substantiation. Research indicates that documented instances of fraud related to mail-in voting are exceedingly rare. A 2025 analysis by the Brookings Institution revealed that fraud accounted for only four out of 10 million mailed ballots. Furthermore, a 2020 report from the American Statistical Association concluded that there is "no evidence that voting by mail increases the risk of voter fraud overall."

New York Times

In another statement, Trump claimed, "We’re the only country in the world that has mail-in ballots," which is also inaccurate. According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, over 30 countries permit postal voting, with 10 allowing all voters to cast their ballots by mail, including Canada, Germany, and New Zealand.

New York Times

Trump's assertions have influenced legislative efforts aimed at restricting voting rights. His allies in Congress are advocating for a bill that would impose limitations on voting and voter registration, citing the unfounded belief that noncitizens are voting in large numbers. Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, reinforced Trump's stance, stating that "the president will do everything in his power to defend the safety and security of American elections."

New York Times

As of now, 28 states in the United States allow all voters to vote by mail without requiring an excuse, while eight states and the District of Columbia conduct elections entirely by mail. This framework highlights the significant reliance on mail-in voting across the country, contrasting sharply with the claims made by Trump.

New York Times

Critics of Trump's narrative argue that his claims are not only misleading but also detrimental to public confidence in the electoral process. The assertions about widespread voter fraud have been characterized as attempts to undermine legitimate voting methods and create unnecessary barriers to voting.

New York Times

While Trump's administration and supporters assert that mail-in voting is fraught with fraud, numerous studies and official reports contradict these claims, indicating a lack of evidence for widespread voter fraud. This discrepancy raises questions about the motivations behind the push for legislative changes and the potential impacts on voter access.

New York Times

• “The cheating on mail-in voting is legendary.” — President Donald Trump

New York Times

• “We’re the only country in the world that has mail-in ballots.” — President Donald Trump

New York Times

In summary, the ongoing discourse surrounding mail-in voting, fueled by Trump's claims, reflects a broader debate about electoral integrity and access to voting in the United States.

New York Times