Federal Judge Blocks USPS from Enforcing Part of Trump’s Mail-In Voting Order

A federal judge in Massachusetts has issued a ruling that prevents the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from enforcing a section of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at tightening mail-in voting rules for the 2026 midterm elections.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani granted a preliminary injunction against USPS, blocking the implementation or enforcement of Section 3 of Executive Order 14399 for the upcoming November 3 midterm elections and any earlier federal election. Specifically, the ruling stops USPS from refusing to process mail-in or absentee ballots under the challenged section and halts the rulemaking process related to the executive order for the November elections.

However, the injunction does not prevent the federal government from offering nonbinding guidance to USPS regarding ballot-mail envelopes. This decision follows a hearing held by Talwani on the plaintiffs’ renewed request for a preliminary injunction. The Trump administration plans to appeal the ruling to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston.

The executive order, signed by Trump in March, is part of his efforts to ensure election integrity. It directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create and provide lists of confirmed U.S. citizens eligible to vote to states. Additionally, USPS is instructed to set new standards for mail-in ballots, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) is told to focus on investigating state and local election officials who allow federal ballots for people deemed ineligible.

Trump has stated that mail-in voting is susceptible to fraud, saying, “Cheating on mail-in voting is legendary. Democrats want to use it for cheating.” The recent court ruling arrives weeks after the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals denied the administration’s efforts to implement other parts of Trump’s order while a separate legal case continues.

The appeals court, in a 2-1 decision on July 25, rejected the DOJ’s request to suspend a June ruling that blocked several parts of Trump’s order in 23 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia. The lawsuit was spearheaded by California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington, with the argument that the Constitution gives primary responsibility for federal elections administration to the states and that Trump’s directives overstepped his authority.

Previously, Judge Talwani had blocked several aspects of the executive order in June, deeming them beyond the president’s authority. The appeals court maintained this injunction on July 25 as the administration’s appeal continues. The DOJ has previously indicated that it might seek emergency relief from the U.S. Supreme Court if its appeal does not succeed.

The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts supports Tuesday’s ruling, seeing it as a protective measure for voting rights, especially for those relying on mail voting. “We are pleased to see this ruling and are committed to remaining in the fight to protect voting rights – not just for the Bay Staters who rely on mail voting, but for every American who utilizes this safe, secure, and trusted tool,” a representative stated.

The White House, DOJ, and USPS have not provided immediate comments on the ruling. Judge Talwani has instructed the plaintiff organizations to post a nominal $100 bond by August 18.

Brittany Miller, a Fox News Digital breaking news writer, and a former Independent reporter from Syracuse University in 2023, reported this development.