Trump Allies Probe Elections Using Scandal-Plagued DHS

DHS Investigates Election Integrity Amidst Growing Concerns

Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly using the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to investigate election processes in various states. This development comes as concerns grow over the potential for political interference in upcoming elections. The DHS, a sprawling agency often mired in controversy, is now involved in probes that were previously handled by other federal bodies.

This focus on election administration by DHS is drawing sharp attention. It follows earlier actions by the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) that targeted election officials. One notable event was the FBI’s seizure of hundreds of thousands of ballots from the 2020 election in Fulton County, Georgia, back in January.

DHS Involvement in Election Probes

Reports indicate that the White House directed Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a component of DHS, to begin working on election-related issues shortly after the Fulton County raid. This directive marked a significant expansion of DHS’s role in election matters.

The Atlantic first reported that HSI was investigating the 2020 election results in Arizona. More recently, CBS News revealed that Minnesota election officials received a grand jury subpoena for voter records. This subpoena was part of an investigation partly managed by DHS.

CBS also reported that the DOJ is nearing an agreement to transfer any voter data it obtains from states to DHS. The exact purpose of this data transfer remains unclear, raising questions about its potential use.

Concerns Over Political Motivation

The expanded role of DHS in election investigations has sparked alarm among critics. They worry that this could be a strategy to exert influence or sow doubt in the upcoming November elections. The agency’s history of scandals and perceived incompetence adds to these worries.

“If President Trump is looking for ways to use muscle, to use force, to mess with the November elections, to undermine trust, to scare people away or worse, then this might be the way he is doing it.”

The involvement of DHS, described as “scandal-ridden, utterly incompetent, controversial, fear-inducing, flush with cash,” in election matters is seen as a significant escalation. This suggests a broader effort to utilize federal agencies beyond traditional law enforcement in election oversight.

DHS: An Expanding Agency

In contrast to other federal departments that have seen their operations scaled back under Trump, DHS has reportedly grown. This expansion occurs even as other agencies face reductions or program closures.

For example, the Department of Education has seen significant staff reductions and program outsourcing. Its headquarters building is also being vacated after decades of use. The Associated Press also highlighted the slow repair of bullet-damaged windows at the CDC, suggesting a potential neglect of federal facilities.

Broader Implications for Election Integrity

The use of DHS in election investigations raises critical questions about the separation of powers and the potential for politicizing federal agencies. Election integrity advocates are closely watching these developments.

The involvement of a department known for its broad mandate and past controversies in the sensitive area of election administration is a new frontier. The focus now shifts to how these investigations will unfold and what impact they will have on public trust in the electoral process.

What to Watch Next

The public and election officials will be closely monitoring any further actions by DHS regarding election data and investigations. The coming months will likely reveal the full scope and intent behind these probes.

Details on the agreements between DOJ and DHS regarding voter data are expected to emerge. The outcomes of these investigations could significantly shape the narrative around election integrity leading up to November.

Source: Maddow sounds alarm on Trump use of scandal-plagued DHS to mess with elections: 'Watch this space' (YouTube)