ThinkTankWeekly

DHS: We'll "Direct" States to Remove Voters and Imprison Non-cooperators

CATO | 2026-07-21 | society

Topics: Cybersecurity, United States

Visit original source

ThinkTankWeekly provides a curated entry and summary only. Full text and PDF remain on the publisher's website.

English Summary

The article details plans by the Trump administration to interfere with state election processes, citing DHS directives aimed at forcing states to remove voters—particularly noncitizens—from voter rolls. This alleged federal overreach is backed by threats from officials, such as Secretary Mullin, who suggested local election workers could face imprisonment for non-compliance. However, the author argues that these actions exceed both statutory and constitutional authority, noting that the claims of large numbers of ineligible voters are based on flawed data and methodology. Ultimately, this strategy establishes a dangerous precedent of using federal legal threats to undermine state autonomy in managing elections.

中文摘要

本文詳述了川普政府計畫干預州級選舉流程的舉措,援引國土安全部(DHS)的指令,旨在迫使各州從選民名冊中移除選民——特別是非公民。這種所謂的聯邦權力過度擴張行為,甚至得到官員如穆林部長的威脅支持,他暗示地方選舉工作人員若不遵守規定可能會面臨監禁處分。然而,作者主張,這些行動已超越了法定和憲法賦予的權限;同時指出,關於大量無資格選民的主張是基於有缺陷的數據和方法論。最終而言,此一策略樹立了一個危險的先例,即利用聯邦法律威脅來削弱各州管理選舉的自主權。

Related Entries

  1. 1.
    2026-07-24 | defense | 2026-W30 | Topics: Indo-Pacific, United States

    The White House (via OMB) strongly protests Congressional efforts within the FY 2027 NDAA to prohibit the purchase of warships from foreign shipyards. The Administration argues that these restrictions undermine national security by limiting flexibility and hindering its strategy of leveraging allied yards, such as in the 'Finland model,' to drive investment into U.S. shipbuilding capacity. This signals a significant policy shift toward integrating international partners into advanced naval construction, suggesting the Pentagon is prepared to bypass traditional domestic build requirements for future combat vessels.

    Read at USNI

  2. 2.
    2026-07-24 | china_indopacific | 2026-W30 | Topics: China, Indo-Pacific, Nuclear, Russia, United States

    The Western Pacific remains a highly active theater defined by sustained U.S.-led military exercises and escalating great power competition. Key evidence includes continuous joint operations, such as RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii and the deployment of CSGs into the South China Sea, juxtaposed with increased naval activity from both China (PLAN task groups) and Russia near Japan's critical straits. These movements underscore a strategic push by non-allied powers to assert presence and challenge regional norms. Policy implications dictate that allied nations must maintain robust multilateral cooperation and interoperability to safeguard freedom of navigation and manage escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

    Read at USNI

  3. 3.
    2026-07-24 | middle_east | 2026-W30 | Topics: AI, China, Europe, Middle East, NATO, Russia, Taiwan, Trade, United States

    The article argues that the post-Cold War era of U.S. unipolarity, established by the perceived invincibility demonstrated during the Gulf War, has ended. This decline is driven by globalization and technological diffusion, which have democratized advanced military capabilities, allowing regional actors to challenge major powers. Consequently, policymakers must prepare for a more volatile international order marked by frequent crises, heightened costs for securing global trade chokepoints, and reduced predictability from American power. The new rules dictate that great powers can no longer effortlessly impose their will through force.

    Read at Foreign Affairs

  4. 4.
    2026-07-24 | economy | 2026-W30 | Topics: Middle East, Trade, United States

    The article argues that current market borrowing costs are rising independently of the Federal Reserve's policy stance, challenging the assumption that the Fed controls all rates. Evidence shows significant increases in key rates—such as 2-year Treasuries and mortgages—even while the effective federal funds rate remains steady. This divergence occurs because market rates reflect complex factors like inflation expectations, credit risk, and geopolitical volatility, which are outside the central bank's direct control. Policymakers should therefore recognize that sustainable rate moderation requires credible disinflation and disciplined government budgets, rather than relying solely on Fed intervention.

    Read at CATO

  5. 5.
    2026-07-24 | society | 2026-W30

    Mini cities are temporary, child-run educational models—originating in Germany and Austria—that simulate real civic life by having children manage businesses, elect officials, pay taxes, and handle legal disputes. The core argument is that these hands-on experiences provide a superior learning environment compared to conventional schooling because children learn through the natural consequences of their actions rather than abstract grades. Policy implications suggest expanding this model from temporary summer programs into permanent, year-round structures that blur the line between play and real economic activity, potentially serving as a comprehensive 'launching pad' for future adult careers.

    Read at CATO