WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has delayed the release of a federal study examining security vulnerabilities in U.S. voting machines, according to people familiar with the matter, keeping the report unpublished as the country moves closer to the November 2026 midterm elections. The study was prepared by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and has been under review for several months, according to Reuters and other media reports.
The report identifies what it describes as significant security weaknesses in some voting systems, including concerns related to outdated software and other technical vulnerabilities, according to sources cited in the reports. The assessment does not conclude that votes were altered or that election results were manipulated, but it recommends measures that could strengthen election security, including software updates and other safeguards.
The delay has sparked debate within Washington over transparency and election security. According to people familiar with internal discussions, some administration officials argued that releasing the report before the midterms could undermine public confidence in elections. Others reportedly questioned whether the findings sufficiently supported longstanding claims by President Donald Trump and some allies regarding vulnerabilities in U.S. election systems.
A White House spokesperson said the administration “continues to offer assistance to state and local election officials, including through the FBI and CISA, to ensure the security and integrity of all machines used in American elections.” The statement did not provide a timetable for publication of the report.
The study is part of a broader federal review of election systems launched after Trump returned to office. The administration has pursued several election-related initiatives, including efforts aimed at increasing federal involvement in election oversight and mail voting procedures. Some of those measures have faced legal challenges from states and voting-rights organizations.
Election security experts have long noted that voting systems require regular maintenance and updates to address potential vulnerabilities. Federal cybersecurity agencies have repeatedly stated that there is no evidence that voting-machine vulnerabilities identified in previous reviews resulted in widespread manipulation of election outcomes.
The ODNI report remains unpublished, and administration officials have not announced when, or whether, it will be released before the midterm elections. Details regarding any final decision on publication remain unclear.
