A federal judge on Tuesday, August 12, 2026, reinforced a block against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) enforcing an executive order signed by former President Trump in March 2026. The order directed USPS to only supply mail-in ballots to states that provided the federal government with lists of eligible voters based on citizenship data.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, presiding in Massachusetts, had previously ruled in June that Trump’s order did not apply to over 20 Democratic-led states who were plaintiffs in that case. Her latest ruling, stemming from a separate lawsuit filed by the Massachusetts League of Women Voters, nullified the president’s directive nationwide. Talwani granted a preliminary injunction that enjoins USPS from implementing the relevant provisions of the order.

In her 27-page ruling, Talwani wrote that the order is “causing confusion” and “threatening both increasing disruption and an erosion of trust in our democracy.” She emphasized the urgency of the injunction given that it is less than 90 days before the November 3, 2026 midterm elections, stating the need to prevent changes to election rules on the eve of the election.

The original order required states to notify USPS at least 60 days before the midterms if they intended to submit a list of eligible voters. White House spokesperson Lauren Bis told The Hill that the administration “will continue lawfully enacting the agenda President Trump was elected to enact – which includes the safety and security of American elections.”

Advocates praised the ruling. A representative from the League of Women Voters said, “We are pleased to see this ruling and are committed to remaining in the fight to protect voting rights — not just for the Bay Staters who rely on mail voting, but for every American who utilizes this safe, secure, and trusted tool.”