A new warning from a top Trump administration official is drawing attention as the White House continues its push to reshape how federal elections are administered across the country.
The comments suggest the administration is prepared to take an increasingly aggressive approach toward states that decline to cooperate with its election security initiatives.
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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Friday that state election officials who refuse to participate in the administration’s SAVE program could face fines, penalties and, in some cases, even prison time.
Speaking during a press conference, Mullin was asked by a reporter whether Americans could be confident the 2026 midterm elections would be secure.
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“First of all, great question, thank you,” Mullin said.
“When we start talking about, can we ensure that the midterm elections are going to be secure? Yes, we absolutely can build confidence in the American people, but the states have to do their part,” he continued.
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Mullin then warned that states choosing not to participate with the SAVE program could receive increased scrutiny from the federal government.
“I will tell you, if the states that choose not to participate with the SAVE program and they choose not to participate in securing the elections, we will make sure that we make those states a priority to look at who voted in their states and hold them, the election officials, accountable,” he said.
Mullin added that election officials who decline to act to protect the vote after receiving information from the federal government could face serious consequences.
“If the election officials, once we gave them the information they need to secure their elections and they chose not to, then those individuals can also be held accountable by fines, by penalties, and even, depending on how far it goes, prison time,” Mullin said.
SAVE stands for Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements and is part of the broader SAVE America Act, one of President Donald Trump’s top legislative priorities.
The legislation would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections and would also require voters to present identification when casting ballots.
Trump renewed his call for election reforms during Thursday night’s nationally televised address, arguing that recently released government documents raise serious questions about the integrity of past elections.
On Friday, the White House published a webpage outlining what it described as the administration’s election integrity agenda and highlighting its support for the SAVE America Act.
The legislation, however, continues to face obstacles in Congress.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has acknowledged that Republicans currently do not have enough votes to pass the measure in its present form, prompting GOP leaders to explore whether portions of the proposal can be advanced through the budget reconciliation process.
Mullin did not specify what legal authority the administration would use to pursue criminal penalties against election officials or under what circumstances prison sentences could be sought.
Election administration is primarily handled by state and local governments, although federal law establishes certain election-related requirements and includes criminal penalties for specific violations.
Supporters of the SAVE America Act argue the legislation would strengthen election integrity by ensuring that only eligible U.S. citizens register and vote in federal elections.
Critics contend the proposal could create additional hurdles for eligible voters and have disputed the administration’s broader claims about previous elections.
Markwayne Mullin: “States that choose not to participate in the Save Program…we will make sure we make those states a priority to look at who voted in their states and holding their election officials accountable…by fines, by penalties, and even prison time.” pic.twitter.com/JumAZecD99
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) July 17, 2026
As Congress continues debating the legislation, Mullin’s remarks underscore that the Trump administration intends to keep election integrity at the center of its legislative agenda while increasing pressure on states to participate in its proposed reforms.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
