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President says he would "do anything necessary" to ensure "honest elections," does not rule out using National Guard or ICE
Summary
In a gaggle, the President was asked whether he would send the National Guard or ICE to polling locations in November; he said he would do "anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections," and did not rule the option out.
A reporter asked whether the President would send the National Guard or ICE to voting locations during the midterm elections. The President said he would "do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections," and did not rule out using those forces.
Why it matters: The possible use of federal or state security forces at polling places raises legal and administrative questions about jurisdiction, federal authority, and the role of state officials in administering elections. The transcript records the President's statement but does not include a formal directive, legal citation, or details about how such an action would be authorized or coordinated with state election officials.
What was said: When asked, the President said, "I'd do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections." The exchange did not include follow-up clarifications about which entity (federal or state) would direct deployments, what legal basis would be used, or whether the action would be limited in scope.
What the gaggle did not establish: There was no formal announcement of policy, no description of legal authority, and no confirmation of plans to deploy the National Guard or federal immigration agents. The transcript records a statement of intent or willingness but not an implemented action or legal order.
Next steps: The transcript does not record any subsequent directive, and reporters did not receive additional details during the gaggle.
