DETROIT, Mich. (Diya TV) — U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar sharply criticized a demand by the Justice Department under President Donald Trump to obtain ballots from the 2024 presidential election in Detroit. He called the move unconstitutional, politically motivated, and a threat to voting rights. Thanedar said the federal request targets Detroit unfairly and undermines the authority of states to run elections. He warned that such actions could weaken public trust in the democratic process.
The Justice Department has reportedly sought access to ballots, envelopes, and related election materials from Michigan’s Wayne County, which includes Detroit. Officials say the request is part of a broader investigation into election integrity.
According to reports, the demand covers roughly 865,000 ballots. Similar efforts have also taken place in other swing states, including Georgia and Arizona. Federal authorities have pursued election records in those states tied to past elections. The request includes a warning that failure to comply could lead to legal action. This has raised tensions between federal and state officials over control of election processes.
Thanedar strongly opposed the federal demand. He said it violates constitutional protections and oversteps federal authority.
“The people of Detroit deserve political autonomy just as much as anyone else,” Thanedar said in a statement. “This attempt to take it away is disgraceful.”
He argued that the Constitution clearly gives states the power to manage elections. He pointed to the Electors Clause as a key safeguard of state authority.
“The Constitution is crystal clear — states are in charge of how they run their elections,” he said. “Donald Trump has no right to make Detroit turn its ballots over.”
Thanedar also described the move as voter intimidation. He warned that it could discourage participation in future elections and harm democracy.
Thanedar said Detroit is being singled out because of its demographics and voting patterns. The city has a large Black population and has consistently supported Democratic candidates in recent presidential elections. He called the demand “a racially and politically motivated attempt” to weaken Detroit’s political voice.
“I will be fighting with other Detroit leaders to protect our city and preserve our democracy,” he said.
Top Michigan officials have joined Thanedar in opposing the federal request. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson have all criticized the move. They described it as federal interference in state-controlled elections. They also warned that such actions could undermine confidence in the electoral system. State officials have emphasized that Michigan already follows strict procedures to ensure election security and transparency.
The dispute reflects ongoing national tensions over election oversight and integrity. Federal and state governments have often clashed over who holds authority in managing elections. This latest development comes amid a wider push by federal authorities to review election processes in key battleground states. Supporters say such reviews are necessary to ensure trust. Critics argue they risk politicizing elections.
Thanedar has previously taken a strong stance against Trump. In April 2025, he introduced seven articles of impeachment against the president. He accused Trump of obstruction of justice, abuse of power, bribery, and corruption. The effort did not advance in the House and was withdrawn before a vote.
