Story perspectives

Trump Orders Citizenship List, Limits Absentee Ballots Amid Lawsuit

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump’s March 31 order directs DHS to compile a citizenship list and Postal Service to limit absentee ballots to it.
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols is hearing the case, issued no injunction, warned government to notify him before implementation.
Democratic Party, DNC and civil-rights groups say the order exceeds authority, violates privacy law.
Justice Department says plaintiffs cannot show a violation because the list does not exist.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump’s March 31 order directs DHS to compile a citizenship list and Postal Service to limit absentee ballots to it.
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols is hearing the case, issued no injunction, warned government to notify him before implementation.
Democratic Party, DNC and civil-rights groups say the order exceeds authority, violates privacy law.
Justice Department says plaintiffs cannot show a violation because the list does not exist.