Arizona Election Records Subpoenas Part of Trump’s Election Takeover Bid

In response to the Trump administration subpoenaing 2020 election voting records for Maricopa County, Arizona, Issue One Policy Director Michael McNulty issued the following statement:

“The Trump administration is again misusing the FBI to fuel conspiracy theories and further his attempt to federalize elections. The FBI’s decision to subpoena voting records from the 2020 election in Maricopa County is another step in President Trump’s election takeover playbook. It follows on the heels of similar actions that the administration took in Fulton County, Georgia, and Puerto Rico, and it is part of a concerning trend of the administration trying to push false narratives about election fraud, install loyalists who will act on those lies, and weaponize government power to pursue them.

“Let’s be clear: the 2020 election was audited, reviewed, and litigated time and time again — including in Maricopa County, Arizona, where the State Senate’s own review confirmed the result. Reopening these investigations isn’t about finding the truth. It’s about fanning the flames of conspiracy theories, so they can be used to undermine confidence in future elections and tilt the playing field. At a time when election officials are working to prepare for future elections, efforts like this only threaten election workers and undermine confidence in our democracy.

“Lawmakers of both parties should reject efforts to weaponize the executive branch to relitigate elections that have already been decided. Congress should demand transparency from the Justice Department and ensure federal investigative powers are not being misused for political purposes. Leaders at every level of government should stand up for the election officials who are being put under renewed pressure and subjected to intimidation and harassment by these baseless investigations.”