Trump to address nation on elections in Thursday primetime speech

President Donald Trump is set to deliver a primetime address at 9 p.m. on Thursday, indicating that the speech will feature a "very big announcement" focused on elections and related policy matters. The president, who has repeatedly called for stricter federal voting regulations, said the announcement is intended to protect what he described as "free and fair elections" and hinted that the remarks will cover a range of topics.

Trump declined to provide further details, stating he wanted to "save it" for the moment. The address comes as the administration confronts a stalled diplomatic effort to end the war with Iran and deals with domestic issues, including recent incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

In a recent interview with a conservative outlet, Trump reiterated claims of voter fraud in a Los Angeles mayoral primary, citing a delayed vote count. Federal prosecutors have opened investigations into those allegations.

The president’s focus on election integrity has been a recurring theme since his 2016 campaign, and he has previously advocated for voter-ID requirements and limits on mail-in voting. Critics argue that his repeated assertions of widespread fraud lack supporting evidence.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, campaigning for Democratic candidates in Georgia, said Trump’s continued emphasis on the 2020 election reflects an inability to move beyond a lost race.

"I think people are exhausted by having conversations about elections that happened six years ago, that we have the answer to," Moore said.

Earlier this week, Trump removed the remaining members of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission, a body that had resisted his proposals to require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration.