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  • Trump Demands DOJ Probe Over Maryland Mail Ballot Error Ahead of 2026 Primary Election

    Trump Demands DOJ Probe Over Maryland Mail Ballot Error Ahead of 2026 Primary Election

    President Donald Trump has called for a Department of Justice investigation after Maryland election officials confirmed that a vendor error led to hundreds of thousands of voters receiving incorrect mail-in primary ballots.

    The controversy erupted after the Maryland State Board of Elections revealed that approximately 500,000 ballots would need to be reissued due to a printing mix-up involving party-specific primary ballots. Officials stated that because they could not identify which voters received incorrect ballots, replacement ballots would be sent to all potentially affected voters ahead of the state’s June 23 primary election.

    Trump reacted sharply on Truth Social, claiming the situation involved “illegal mail-in ballots” and questioning the handling of the original ballots. The president alleged that officials were unable to account for the first batch of ballots, reigniting his long-running criticism of mail voting systems in the United States.

    Maryland election authorities pushed back against claims of voter fraud, insisting that strict safeguards are in place to prevent duplicate voting. According to the State Board of Elections, each ballot return envelope contains a unique identifier that ensures only one ballot per voter can be accepted and counted.

    Officials also clarified that the original ballots would be voided and separated from the election process, while only the corrected replacement ballots would be eligible for counting. The printing company responsible for the error is expected to cover the cost of reissuing the ballots.

    Trump’s demand for a DOJ investigation marks another escalation in his ongoing campaign against mail-in voting, an issue that has remained central to his election integrity claims since the 2020 presidential race. Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order aimed at tightening restrictions on mail voting procedures nationwide.

    The president also criticized Maryland Governor Wes Moore in his online post, calling the Democratic governor “corrupt,” although state officials have not responded publicly to the accusation.

    Representatives for the Maryland State Administrator of Elections, Governor Moore’s office, and the Department of Justice had not issued formal comments at the time of reporting.

  • Lindsey Graham Warns GOP Against Forming ‘Lynch Mob’ Over Matt Gaetz’s Attorney General Nomination

    In a measured plea, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) urged his Republican colleagues to approach the confirmation of Matt Gaetz as U.S. Attorney General with fairness, cautioning against a “lynch mob” mentality. Graham’s statement followed his meeting with Gaetz and Vice President-elect JD Vance on Wednesday.

    The senator emphasized the need for a balanced process, neither obstructive nor blindly approving, as Gaetz’s nomination by President-elect Donald Trump has sparked controversy within the GOP.

    “My record is clear—I generally defer to presidential cabinet choices unless there’s compelling evidence of disqualification,” Graham said. “However, I fear the current process is devolving into an angry mob where unverified allegations are treated as fact. I’ve seen this movie before.”

    A Nod to Past Confirmation Battles

    Graham’s remarks appeared to draw parallels to the contentious 2018 confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, whose nomination faced uncorroborated allegations of sexual assault. The senator, who played a pivotal role as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee during Kavanaugh’s confirmation, alluded to the dangers of politicized hearings undermining due process.

    In Gaetz’s case, allegations of misconduct, including an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct with a minor, loom large. Gaetz has denied wrongdoing, and a previous DOJ investigation concluded without charges. Despite these outcomes, the allegations have left some Republicans uneasy about his nomination, especially given his lack of law enforcement experience.

    Internal GOP Concerns

    Gaetz’s sudden resignation from Congress following Trump’s announcement has only added to the uncertainty. While some Republican senators, such as Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), have shown openness to allowing Gaetz the opportunity to clear his name during confirmation hearings, others remain skeptical.

    “After years of DOJ investigations that resulted in no charges, we must allow this process to move forward fairly,” Graham urged. “Our responsibility is to ensure a rigorous but just confirmation process, not a trial by public opinion.”

    Efforts to Build GOP Support

    The Trump transition team is actively coordinating meetings between Gaetz and key Senate Republicans to garner support. A spokesperson for the team noted that the discussions have been productive, with Gaetz expressing his commitment to listening to senators’ perspectives on the role of the Department of Justice.

    Despite these efforts, Gaetz faces an uphill battle for confirmation even in a Republican-controlled Senate. His confirmation hearings are expected to serve as a platform for addressing lingering allegations, as well as questions about his qualifications for the nation’s top law enforcement role.

    As the process unfolds, Graham’s call for fairness highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing partisanship with due diligence in high-stakes political nominations.

    Source : Swifteradio.com