Democrat House Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is facing criticism after celebrating efforts to block a Trump-era executive order requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections.

Jeffries, speaking publicly, called the order “voter suppression” and announced he joined a lawsuit opposing it. The executive order, signed by President Trump in March, directed the Election Assistance Commission to update voter registration forms to require citizenship documentation, aiming to prevent non-citizen voting and enhance election security.

Critics argue that Jeffries’ opposition undermines election integrity and ignores concerns about non-citizen voting. A federal judge has since blocked part of Trump’s order, ruling that federal election regulations fall under the authority of Congress and the states, not the President. Supporters of the order maintain that citizenship verification is essential to protecting U.S. elections, while opponents argue such measures may create unnecessary barriers for legitimate voters. The legal battle is ongoing and could shape voting laws ahead of the 2026 midterms.