Trump Alleges China Obtained 220 Million US Voter Files, Cites Election Security Threat

President Donald Trump on Friday accused China of illegally obtaining the personal data of 220 million American voters, labeling it the "largest compromise of election data in history" and alleging foreign interference in the U.S. electoral system. In a primetime address, Trump announced the declassification of intelligence reports he claimed exposed significant vulnerabilities in America's election infrastructure and detailed foreign adversaries' efforts to influence U.S. elections.

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largest compromise of election data in history

Trump asserted that the Chinese Communist Party adopted a strategy in 2018 to use domestic and foreign elements opposed to him to reduce his support in the 2020 presidential election, force his resignation, or prevent his re-election. He further alleged that multiple CIA and National Security Agency intelligence reports concerning China's election-related activities were withheld from his presidential intelligence briefings. The president also accused the Chinese government of attempting to identify and financially incentivize American journalists who published unfavorable reports about him.

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US adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, as well as non-state groups, possess the capability to compromise US election infrastructure.

Citing intelligence assessments, Trump stated that adversaries including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and non-state groups possess the capability to compromise U.S. election infrastructure. He argued that these disclosures demonstrate a "broken and vulnerable" election system, claiming hundreds of millions of U.S. voter files are now in the hands of foreign governments. Trump also alleged that voter rolls contain non-citizens and deceased individuals, criticizing the absence of a nationwide voter identification or proof of citizenship requirement.

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broken and vulnerable

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin was set to brief on cyber vulnerabilities in electronic voting systems, and federal officials were notifying governors, senators, and members of Congress about potential election security issues. Trump urged Congress to pass the Save America Act, which he supports, to require proof of U.S. citizenship for all voters, stating it is essential for restoring confidence in the country's election system. China had not immediately responded to the allegations, which have not been independently verified.

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Save America Act