During a federal court hearing on May 13, 2026, a U.S. Justice Department lawyer warned that the citizenship lists compiled under former President Donald Trump’s executive order are likely unreliable. The order, intended to tighten control over state voter rolls, has prompted scrutiny from the Department of Justice, which argues that the data could misidentify eligible voters and disenfranchise legitimate citizens.

The hearing, held in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, highlighted that no responsible state should rely on the Trump‑issued lists to update voter registrations. The lawyer cited gaps in data collection and the lack of a robust verification process, raising concerns about potential errors that could affect millions of voters across the nation.

The Justice Department’s stance comes amid growing legal challenges to executive actions that seek to influence election administration. By questioning the integrity of the lists, the department underscores the importance of accurate voter rolls and the potential ramifications for fair elections. States that adopt these lists risk exposing themselves to legal liability and undermining public confidence in the electoral process.