Press Release: 2/23/2026

Moulton Introduces Defend Elections From Trump Act to Prevent Federal Law Enforcement and Military Presence at Polling Places

 

February 20, 2026 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) introduced the Defend Elections from Trump Act, which would prohibit the use of federal funds to deploy federal law enforcement, intelligence personnel, or the military to polling locations without explicit authorization from Congress.

The introduction of this bill comes in response to Donald Trump’s recent calls for the federalization of elections, a proposal that would undermine the long-standing authority of state and local officials to administer free and fair elections. 

“Election security is vitally important,” said Congressman Moulton.“But Donald Trump wants to undermine democracy itself. Voters must be able to cast their ballots without intimidation, without threats, and without armed federal personnel standing over their shoulders. That’s not how democracy should work.”

The Defend Elections from Trump Act would preserve Congress’s constitutional authority by requiring specific statutory authorization for any such federal presence at domestic election locations. In doing so, the bill would protect voters’ right to cast a ballot free from intimidation or coercion.

The full bill can be read here.