'American polls rigged, stolen': Trump calls for election reforms, tighter curbs in US

Trump said voters must show proof of US citizenship to register for voting and put an end to mail-in ballots, except for certain cases.

Updated on: Feb 9, 2026, 05:24:50 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

President Donald Trump on Sunday called for election reforms in the United States and said the American polls were “rigged, stolen and laughingstock” all over the world.

Donald Trump prays during a group prayer during the National Prayer Breakfast. (REUTERS)

He said voters must show proof of US citizenship to register for voting and put an end to mail-in ballots, except for certain cases.

“America’s Elections are Rigged, Stolen, and a Laughingstock all over the World. We are either going to fix them, or we won’t have a Country any longer. I am asking all Republicans to fight for the following: SAVE AMERICA ACT!,” Trump said in a social media post.

Also Read: 'Trump's trade strategy more coercive, extractive': Expert flags risks in India-US trade framework

“Save America Act” is a new Republican bill underway in Congress, which would require US citizens to show proof of citizenship in person to register to vote in federal elections.

In the social media post, Trump said that the voters will be required to show their identification and proof of US citizenship. He also warned against the use of mail-in ballots, except in the case of emergency.

“1. ALL VOTERS MUST SHOW VOTER ID (IDENTIFICATION!). 2. ALL VOTERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP TO REGISTER FOR VOTING. 3. NO MAIL-IN BALLOTS (EXCEPT FOR ILLNESS, DISABILITY, MILITARY, OR TRAVEL!)” the social media post added.

Also read: Bad Bunny could sing his anti-Trump song at the Super Bowl; fans make bizarre halftime demand

‘Need to win elections for my ego’

The US President's recent remarks come days after he said he needed to win at polls to satisfy his ego earlier this week on Thursday. "They rigged the second election. I had to win it. Had to win it. I needed it for my own ego," he said during a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, as quoted by news agency AFP.

Also read: Will Donald Trump attend the Super Bowl on Sunday? Inside the President's plans for Patriots vs. Seahawks

“I would've had a bad ego for the rest of my life,” he added.

The remarks were an apparent reference to the 2020 US Presidential polls in which, Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden in a close contest.

"Now I really have a big ego. Beating these lunatics was incredible," Trump added.

After winning the presidential bid for the second time, Trump continues to insist that he won the 2020 polls, even after the country's courts have confirmed the polls were valid.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.