Donald Trump signs executive order on proof of citizenship: Internet asks, ¡®will blue states ignore this like they do for deportation?¡¯

Donald Trump has issued an executive order introducing major changes to the U.S. election process. The order mandates that individuals provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections and requires that all ballots be received by Election Day. The move, which is expected to face legal hurdles, also threatens to withhold federal funds from states that do not comply.

Federal crackdown on election procedures

Trump¡¯s directive states that the U.S. has failed to enforce "basic and necessary election protections" and calls on state and federal agencies to collaborate on voter roll maintenance and prosecution of election-related crimes. Agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Social Security Administration, and the State Department have been instructed to share data with election officials to help identify noncitizens registered to vote.

In addition, the order directs the Attorney General to prioritize enforcement of election integrity laws, particularly in states that refuse to share information about suspected election fraud with federal authorities.

Push for strict voting requirements

Let's see how California gets around this...no more using utility bills as a form of ID to vote

Trump signs sweeping executive action overhauling US elections, including citizenship requirementhttps://t.co/puzz4Tobof

¡ª GrumpyRN74 (@GrumpyRn74) March 26, 2025

A key aspect of the executive order is the requirement for voters to provide official proof of citizenship when registering. This provision aligns with the long-standing Republican push for stricter voter ID laws, particularly through the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. While noncitizen voting in federal elections is already illegal and can result in felony charges, Republicans state that stronger measures are necessary to restore public confidence in the electoral system.

According to a 2023 report by the Brennan Center for Justice, nearly 21.3 million voting-age citizens in the U.S. do not have immediate access to proof of citizenship. Married women who have changed their names may also face difficulties, as their birth certificates may not match their current identification. Similar issues arose in a recent New Hampshire election after a state law introduced proof-of-citizenship requirements.

Ballot deadline and voting machine concerns

Trump¡¯s order also demands that all votes be cast and received by Election Day, challenging existing laws in 18 states and Puerto Rico that allow mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive later. Critics argue that such a change could disproportionately impact military personnel, overseas voters, and individuals who rely on mail-in ballots.

Furthermore, the order calls for changes in voting machine guidelines, specifically prohibiting the use of barcodes or QR codes in the vote-counting process. This directive could impact states like Georgia, where voters use touchscreen machines that print paper ballots with both a readable summary and a QR code that is scanned to count votes.

Internet debates

To all the women that voted for Trump. His executive order today will eliminate 30% or more of you from voting. He is ordering that people show proof of citizenship. Birth certificates are not allowed, only Passports and some versions of RealID. If married, you will need to¡­

¡ª larryhostawards (@larryhostawards) March 26, 2025

Trump¡¯s executive order has sparked a heated debate across social media. Supporters have hailed it as a long-overdue measure to secure elections, with one user stating, ¡°President Trump signed an Executive Order requiring Proof of Citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. Leftist judges will be activated. Mike Johnson announced Congress has the authority to stop funding to federal courts. IT¡¯s Happening!¡± Another user expressed skepticism about whether certain states would comply, writing, ¡°Let¡¯s see how California gets around this¡­ no more using utility bills as a form of ID to vote.¡± Others speculated that Democratic states might disregard the order entirely, much like they have in past policy disputes, with one comment reading, ¡°Will Blue states ignore this EO like they do for deportation and Title IX?¡± However, many users voiced concerns that the order could disproportionately impact women, particularly those who have changed their names after marriage. One person warned, ¡°To all the women that voted for Trump. His executive order today will eliminate 30% or more of you from voting. He is ordering that people show proof of citizenship. Birth certificates are not allowed, only passports and some versions of RealID. If married, you will need to legally change your name, and that costs thousands.¡±

"Trump signs executive order requiring proof of citizenship in federal elections: 'An honor to sign this one'
Critics immediately said the order will disenfranchise millions of voters"
If you are not a citizen you cannot vote, that's how it is.?

¡ª Rene C Fuentes (@Rcfv114747) March 26, 2025

As Trump vows to introduce further election-related measures in the coming weeks, legal battles over the executive order appear inevitable. While Republican supporters view it as a necessary step toward election security, some still state it threatens to disenfranchise millions of American voters.