Federal Court Issues Permanent Injunction Against Key Trump Election Order Provision on October 31

A federal court has permanently blocked a key provision of former President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at overhauling U.S. elections. The ruling, issued on October 31, 2025, prevents the requirement of documentary proof of citizenship for federal voter registration, marking a significant legal victory for voting rights advocates led by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

The executive order, titled "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections," was signed on March 25, 2025. It sought to impose sweeping changes, including mandating documentary proof of citizenship for federal voter registration and potentially conditioning federal funding to states based on compliance with its provisions, as well as targeting mail ballot receipt deadlines. Critics argued these measures would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.

LULAC, joined by the Secure Families Initiative and Arizona Students' Association, filed the lawsuit, represented by the Campaign Legal Center (CLC) and State Democracy Defenders Fund. They contended that the President exceeded constitutional authority, arguing that the power to regulate elections rests with Congress and the states, not the executive branch. LULAC National President Roman Palomares stated the lawsuit aimed "to uphold the sacred principles that define our democracy."

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that Section 2(a) of the executive order, which mandated the documentary proof of citizenship, was an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers. This permanent injunction prevents the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) from implementing the requirement. Trevor Potter, president of CLC, emphasized that "no president has the authority to control our election systems and processes."

Attorney Norm Eisen, who was involved in the case, celebrated the outcome on social media.

"Trump tried to seize control of our elections via an illegal EO. We stopped him in court with @lulac & other great partners & clients. Democracy keeps showing up and working," Eisen stated in the tweet. The decision reinforces the constitutional framework for election administration and safeguards voter access by affirming that election regulation is primarily a state and congressional responsibility.