Trump Administration Steps Up Legal Action Against States Days Before US Midterm Elections

Washington, United States. Donald Trump’s administration is stepping up legal action against individual states only days before midterm elections that will shape who holds power in Washington during the final two years of his term. The Justice Department has taken new steps in both Alaska and California.

Alaska lawsuit over Senate race

On Thursday, the Justice Department filed an amended lawsuit in Alaska. It asks the court to stop the certification of results if the Republican candidate loses narrowly in a Senate contest of major significance. The filing cites a New York Times report saying Democratic operatives recruited a spoiler candidate to draw votes away from the Republican incumbent.

Related: Trump and Obama take leading campaign roles days before US congressional elections

RelatedTrump and Obama take leading campaign roles days before US congressional elections

Alaska is one of roughly 10 closely fought Senate races. The dispute could leave control of the chamber uncertain for weeks. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take the majority from Republicans.

California subpoenas

In California, the Justice Department is increasing pressure on state election officials. According to documents seen by Reuters, it has issued subpoenas as part of a criminal investigation into alleged voting by non-citizens.

Federal role in state elections

Taken together, the actions amount to an extraordinary federal intervention in state elections, which the US constitution leaves to local administration. Election officials across the country told Reuters that, with November 3 approaching, they expect more legal challenges from Washington.

What is at stake

If Democrats win one or both chambers of Congress, they could open investigations into Trump’s administration. They could also increase pressure on the president to end the war in Iran.

On the campaign trail

Trump is due to campaign in Florida on Friday, aiming to energize supporters in a state he won comfortably in 2024 but where early voting has leaned toward Democrats. The visit follows events earlier this week in Mississippi and South Carolina, two more states Republicans typically expect to win.

Kamala Harris, whom Trump defeated in the 2024 election, is scheduled to rally for Democrats in Atlanta on Friday. Speaking to a crowd in Macon, Georgia, on Thursday, the former vice president said “The last year and a half, it’s been difficult,” and added “Now we’re in the phase where we can do a whole lot.”