Online rumors spread following Donald Trump’s recent shift in messaging regarding mail-in voting ahead of the midterm elections.
WASHINGTON, DC: In the wake of Donald Trump altering his stance on mail-in ballots leading up to the midterms, a viral social media claim alleged that the former president stated postal voting is only fraudulent if it includes a vote for an opponent. This assertion quickly gained traction, prompting immediate online debate and the need for verification.
The Claim: Trump allegedly said postal voting is only rigged if it favors someone else
A widely shared post on Facebook claimed that Trump began urging Republicans to utilize mail-in ballots by reassuring them that the system—which he previously branded as a threat to electoral integrity—suddenly becomes completely secure when utilized by his own supporters.
Attached to the post was an image of Trump featuring text overlay that read: “Trump reassures Republican voters that postal voting is only fraudulent when the envelope contains a vote for someone else.”
The post divided internet users, with detractors criticizing the supposed hypocrisy, while others questioned the legitimacy of the quote and demanded proof.
Fact Check: The statement was never made by Donald Trump
While it is true that Trump adjusted his rhetoric regarding mail-in voting after years of relentless criticism and legal opposition, there is zero proof he ever claimed the method is only fraudulent when it benefits a political rival.
A thorough review of his recent campaign speeches and rally transcripts reveals no instances of him making such a remark about mail-in ballots.
Furthermore, no official announcements, statements, or social media posts from the former president back up the viral claim.
Had Trump actually delivered such a controversial quote, major news networks and media outlets would have covered it extensively, sparking nationwide headlines and heavy political fallout. No such reporting exists.
The origin of the claim traces back to a Facebook page named ‘NewsThump,’ which explicitly labels itself as a source of satire and parody.
Evolution of Donald Trump’s stance on mail-in voting
The satirical rumor emerged shortly after Trump published a video encouraging conservative voters to leverage “every appropriate tool” to secure a victory in the midterms, specifically endorsing early and mail-in voting—methods he had historically condemned.
“Republicans must WIN the 2026 Midterm Elections, and we must use every appropriate tool,” Trump stated in a written message. “Whether you vote early, absentee, by mail, or in-person, we must swamp the Radical Left Dumocrats with massive turnout!”
“The 2026 midterm elections are upon us, and I’m asking every patriot to get out and vote,” he added in an accompanying video message. “Vote early, vote by mail, or vote in person on Election Day.”