Trump's Allegation of Chinese Data Theft Exposes Accessibility Issues

WHO:

CBS News - President Trump claimed that China has obtained voter data of 220 million U.S. citizens.

CBS News - David Becker is the executive director for the Center for Election Innovation and Research and a CBS News election law contributor.

WHAT:

CBS News - President Trump stated that the data theft may be "the largest compromise of election data in history."

CBS News - Voter data is accessible across all 50 states, with varying levels of access.

CBS News - Twenty states and Washington, D.C., provide voter data with a simple public request, purchase, or online download.

CBS News - Fifteen states allow access to voter rolls under certain conditions, such as stating a political or research purpose.

CBS News - Ten states provide records primarily through local election offices or supervised inspection.

CBS News - Five states limit voter-file access to specified groups, including candidates and political parties.

CBS News - Voter data often includes names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and political party affiliations.

CBS News - Sensitive information like Social Security numbers is typically kept confidential.

CBS News - Becker noted that there is no evidence that the Chinese could match voter roll information with Department of Motor Vehicles or Social Security numbers.

WHERE:

CBS News - Voter data is accessible in all 50 states.

WHY:

CBS News - President Trump suggested that the data could be used for "nefarious activities," although this claim is disputed.

HOW:

CBS News - Members of the public can legally obtain much of the same category of voter information in many states without hacking.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 23:15 UTC)

President Trump has claimed that China has obtained voter data for 220 million U.S. citizens, describing the potential breach as "the largest compromise of election data in history." Voter data is accessible across all 50 states, with varying levels of access, and includes names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and political party affiliations, although sensitive information like Social Security numbers is typically kept confidential. David Becker, an election law expert, pointed out that there is no evidence that the Chinese could link this voter roll information to Department of Motor Vehicles or Social Security numbers.