Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) isn't buying President Donald Trump's pitch to let Republicans "nationalize" elections. The libertarian-leaning senator says it clashes with the Constitution and the longstanding principle that states run their own voting systems.

Trump Wants Federal Republicans Running Elections

During a Monday podcast appearance with former Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, Trump floated the idea that Republicans should seize control of election administration at the federal level, targeting what he described as corrupt jurisdictions.

"The Republicans should say, 'We want to take over,'" Trump said, arguing federal involvement is needed in "at least many — 15 places."

Constitutional Problems With the Plan

Paul wasn't having it. Speaking with MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle on Tuesday, he explained why Trump's proposal doesn't work legally.

"That's not what the Constitution says about elections," Paul said. While the Supreme Court can enforce uniform rules on certain voting matters, "as far as the time, place and manner of elections, that, under the Constitution, is a state activity."

Paul pointed out the irony: Republicans blocked similar nationalization efforts when Democrats tried under former President Biden. "I was against Nancy Pelosi's bill, which would have nationalized it, but I would also be against any bill coming from this administration that would nationalize elections," he said.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) sided with Paul on keeping elections decentralized, though his reasoning was more practical than constitutional. "I think it's harder to hack 50 election systems than it is to hack one," Thune said, while still supporting voter ID requirements.

Both Parties Say No

The pushback wasn't just from Republicans. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called Trump's idea illegal and raised concerns about his respect for democratic principles.

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) also rejected federal control, emphasizing that state-led oversight is the proper way to ensure secure, constitutional elections.