In a move that has sent shockwaves through America’s election infrastructure, President Donald Trump has placed prominent 2020 election deniers in key federal roles overseeing election integrity. Critics warn this could undermine public trust and destabilize future elections—including the critical 2026 midterms.
Inside Trump’s Election Oversight Shake-Up
Since returning to the White House in 2024, Trump has installed several figures known for promoting false claims about the 2020 election into high-level government positions. One such appointee is Heather Honey, now Deputy Assistant Secretary for Election Integrity at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Honey, a former corporate investigator with no prior election experience, gained notoriety for her role in the widely discredited Maricopa County audit in Arizona. During a recent call with all 50 state secretaries of state, she reportedly used rhetoric aligned with election denialism—prompting concern among local officials who rely on federal support to secure elections.
From Conspiracy Theories to Federal Power
Before joining DHS, Honey participated in activist calls where she floated the idea of declaring a “national emergency” to reopen the 2020 election investigation—a legally dubious concept that constitutional scholars say lacks precedent or authority.
Another key figure now operating inside the White House is Kurt Olsen, a longtime ally of MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. Olsen is reportedly leading a special project focused on re-examining the 2020 election results—an effort first uncovered by The Wall Street Journal.
How Federal Election Roles Are Changing
Traditionally, U.S. elections are administered at the state and local levels, with the federal government playing a limited—but supportive—role in cybersecurity, funding, and civil rights enforcement. That dynamic is rapidly shifting under the Trump administration:
- Federal election security programs have been slashed due to workforce cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency.
- The Department of Justice is building a national voter roll—a move that alarms election officials who fear errors or political weaponization.
- Trump issued an executive order attempting to grant the executive branch unprecedented control over elections, though it is currently blocked in court.
What This Means for the 2026 Midterms
Election administrators across the country report growing uncertainty. “We used to see the federal government as a neutral partner,” said one state election director who asked to remain anonymous. “Now, it feels like we’re being watched by people who don’t believe our results—even when there’s no evidence of fraud.”
Legal experts stress that the Constitution gives states primary authority over elections. However, the symbolic and practical influence of federal appointees like Honey could erode confidence in the system, especially in closely contested races.
Controversial Donors and White House Renovations
Meanwhile, the administration’s broader agenda includes high-profile changes at the White House itself. The historic East Wing is being demolished for a new ballroom—a project funded by private donors including Apple, Amazon, Google, Ripple, Coinbase, and billionaire twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.
While officials claim historically significant materials were preserved, critics question the transparency of a privately funded renovation tied to political insiders.
Table: Key Election Deniers Now in Federal Roles
| Name | Role | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Heather Honey | Deputy Assistant Secretary for Election Integrity, DHS | Maricopa audit lead; promoted 2020 fraud theories |
| Kurt Olsen | White House Special Projects (Election Review) | Longtime election denier; close to Mike Lindell |
| Cleta Mitchell | Informal Advisor | Trump attorney; advocated for national election emergency |
Sources
The New York Times: Trump Is Putting Election Deniers in Charge of Elections
The Wall Street Journal: White House Launches New 2020 Election Probe
