Chicago, IL – A former Illinois Republican congressman is raising alarms after former President Donald Trump made comments suggesting the federal government should “take over the voting and nationalize it,” remarks that critics say undermine the foundations of U.S. democracy.
According to former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Trump’s statements—made during a recent appearance on Dan Bongino’s conservative talk show—go beyond political rhetoric and signal a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism. Kinzinger, who represented Illinois in Congress from 2011 to 2023, shared his concerns in a widely circulated Substack post and on social media this week.
According to Kinzinger, Trump repeated claims—without evidence—that immigrants are brought into the country to vote illegally, a charge that has been repeatedly investigated and debunked by election officials, courts, and bipartisan audits. Federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections.
Kinzinger argued that Trump’s suggestion to “take over” elections reflects an effort to delegitimize voting outcomes unless they result in victory. He warned that such rhetoric could be used to justify pressuring election officials, refusing to certify results, or pushing for federal control over state-run elections.
The former congressman also criticized the response from Republican leaders, saying the lack of public pushback contributes to the erosion of democratic norms. “The silence,” he wrote, “is what makes this moment especially dangerous.”
Election administration in the U.S. is largely handled by states, a system rooted in the Constitution. Any attempt to nationalize voting would face significant legal and constitutional hurdles.
Kinzinger, a Republican and former Air Force officer, was one of two GOP members on the House committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. He did not seek reelection in 2022 and has since become an outspoken critic of Trump’s influence within the party.
As the 2024 election cycle intensifies, the comments are drawing renewed attention to ongoing debates over election integrity, democratic institutions, and the peaceful transfer of power.
