Full Breakdown
Trump Administration’s Secret Request to Hack Voting Machines Raises Election-Security Concerns
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Secret CISA Voting-Machine Test
ProPublica reported that political appointees in the Department of Homeland Security directed the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to obtain a voting machine, attempt to hack it, and keep any discovered vulnerabilities from the manufacturer, sharing the findings only with the White House. CISA staff said the request could not be fulfilled because the agency lacked the necessary personnel and resources. The operation was never carried out.
Background & Context
In 2017 the outgoing administration designated election infrastructure as a “critical infrastructure subsector,” opening federal resources for threat mitigation while preserving state and local control. The three voting-technology companies that serve roughly 85 % of U.S. voters have confirmed that their equipment incorporates some Chinese-manufactured components, the same parts used in ports, the electrical grid, telecommunications and water supplies, according to Pamela Smith, president of Verified Voting.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned that “foreign adversaries have parts that are vital pieces in our voting machines” and that such components “introduce significant security risks.” The Trump administration threatened to withhold 20 % of Homeland Security counter-terrorism grants from states that did not adopt its security measures; a federal judge later blocked those conditions.
Timeline
- 2017 – Election infrastructure designated a critical subsector.
- Early in President Trump’s second term – DHS officials issue the secret CISA hacking request (exact month not disclosed).
- September 24, 2026 – CISA publishes a 2026 Election Infrastructure Security Plan, outlining voluntary services for election officials.
Data & Statistics
- Three vendors serve about 85 % of registered voters; all use some Chinese parts.
- Louisiana is the only state that still operates statewide paper-less voting systems; every other state requires a paper trail and post-election audits.
- CISA’s workforce was reduced by roughly one-third, with about 1,000 employees laid off and an additional 900 slated for removal in the 2027 budget.
Official Statements & Responses
- Lauren Bis (White House spokeswoman) said, “President Trump has done more than any other President to ensure we have free and fair elections.”
- Adrian Fontes (Arizona Secretary of State) noted, “I don’t pay attention to what the president says. I pay attention to what his administration does.”
Criticism & Opposition
Former CISA officials said the secret request violated the agency’s principle of responsible vulnerability disclosure. State election authorities have reported reduced confidence in federal support after staffing cuts at CISA.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Foreign adversaries have parts that are vital pieces in our voting machines,” — Markwayne Mullin
- “We cannot domestically source all of these parts,” — Sara Cutter, American Council for Election Technology
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
A declassified 2024 National Intelligence Council assessment concluded that China, Russia and Iran possess the technical capability to access U.S. systems. The assessment notes a gap between capability and demonstrated intent, leaving open whether foreign actors might exploit undisclosed vulnerabilities.
What’s Next
CISA’s September 24 security plan outlines voluntary threat-information sharing, technical expertise, vulnerability scanning and risk-reduction services for election officials. The plan does not guarantee sufficient staffing or resources, and state officials remain uncertain about the agency’s capacity to support the 2026 midterm elections.
