Rep. Terri Sewell Condemns President Trump's Election Remarks, Calls for Defense of Democratic Institutions

July 16, 2026 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL‑07) issued a forceful statement Thursday night responding to President Trump's latest address on elections, criticizing the President for amplifying what she described as "baseless and debunked conspiracy theories" rather than addressing the economic pressures facing American families.

Sewell, the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Elections, said the President's remarks represented a continued effort to undermine public confidence in the nation's electoral system.

"Tonight, instead of addressing the issues keeping American families up at night, President Trump has once again chosen to traffic in baseless and debunked conspiracy theories about past elections to distract from his failed policies and broken promises," Sewell said. "Trump knows that working families are fed up with paying more for everything, and would rather undermine confidence in our elections than face accountability at the ballot box."

Defending Election Integrity

Sewell emphasized that America's elections remain secure, professional, and trustworthy, crediting the thousands of bipartisan state and local officials who administer them.

"America's elections are safe, secure, and administered by thousands of dedicated state and local election officials-Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike-who work tirelessly to ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot and every lawful vote is counted," she said.

She also criticized recent actions by the Trump administration, including the firing of leaders at the Election Assistance Commission and efforts to weaken the Voting Rights Act.

"If Trump actually cared about the integrity of our elections, he wouldn't be firing the leaders of the Election Assistance Commission," Sewell said. "And if he cared about the will of the people, he wouldn't be pushing the SAVE America Act, legislation designed to block millions of eligible Americans from voting."

Warning Against Returning to January 6

Sewell drew a direct line between Trump's rhetoric and the events of January 6, 2021, when a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol.

"We have been down this road before," she said. "On January 6, 2021, Trump's election lies fueled a violent attack on our Capitol, where police officers were brutally assaulted, our democracy came under siege, and our nation came dangerously close to a full‑blown constitutional crisis. We cannot go back."

She urged leaders across the political spectrum to reject misinformation and reaffirm their commitment to democratic norms.

"Leaders of every party and every persuasion have a responsibility to reject these dangerous falsehoods and stand up for the truth," Sewell said.

A Call for Accountability and Stability

Sewell's statement underscores growing tensions surrounding election administration and political messaging ahead of the 2026 cycle. Her remarks reflect ongoing concerns among election officials and voting‑rights advocates who warn that misinformation continues to threaten public trust in democratic institutions.