Five claims by Trump lacking evidence
In his Thursday address on threats to US elections, President Donald Trump made several claims that are not supported by available evidence, including allegations about Chinese hacking of voter files and noncitizen voter registration.
During his Thursday primetime speech, Donald Trump made a series of misleading and false claims about threats to US elections. The White House released previously classified documents, but they do not provide clear evidence for these assertions.
Claim: China hacked voter files
Trump claimed China illicitly obtained voter information of 220 million US voters starting in 2020. However, nearly all states allow public access to voter rolls, and the information is commercially available. The released documents are heavily redacted and do not show that China altered any votes. An election expert stated that possessing such data does not mean votes can be changed.
Claim: Intelligence officials covered up information
Trump alleged that US intelligence officials conspired to keep information about China's election meddling from him. A 2021 National Intelligence Council report concluded China did not interfere in the 2020 election. Although a dissenting view noted China took steps to undermine Trump's campaign, it agreed there was no interference in election processes. Trump cited emails lacking context.
Claim: Venezuela hacked voting machines
Trump said Venezuela plotted to manipulate voting machines. A CIA note indicated interest and capability in manipulating electronic voting systems in Venezuela but did not confirm large-scale fraud in US elections. A Trump ally acknowledged no evidence of tampering in US elections.
Claim: Voter fraud in Michigan
Trump claimed the Biden administration slow-walked an investigation into fraudulent voter registration applications. Public reporting shows the FBI investigated during the Biden administration, but a September 2025 document stated no further investigation was warranted because no crime was identified.
Claim: 278,000 noncitizens registered to vote
Trump said DHS identified 278,000 noncitizens on voter rolls in four states. DHS did not reveal its methodology, and its tool is known to be inaccurate. Letters to states suggest uncertainty. Studies show voter fraud by noncitizens is extremely rare.
