Fact Check: Did Trump appoint Kari Lake to lead an election fraud task force?

WASHINGTON, DC: A social media post claiming President Donald Trump appointed Kari Lake to lead a special federal election fraud task force with Department of Justice referral powers and a nationwide tip line ahead of the 2026 midterm elections went viral online.

The post portrays Lake as a key figure in election integrity efforts, citing her long-standing allegations about problems in Arizona's 2022 election. The claim has gained attention as the 2026 midterms draw closer. Let's fact-check the claim.

Claim: Trump appointed Kari Lake to head a federal election fraud task force

According to a post shared by X user Joshua Hall, President Donald Trump appointed Kari Lake to lead a special federal election fraud task force with the authority to refer cases to the Department of Justice for prosecution.

The post claimed, "Former Arizona Republican gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake, a longtime ally of President Trump and victim of WIDESPREAD ELECTION FRAUD in her 2022 race for Arizona Governor that led to the election being STOLEN from her, has reportedly been tapped by President Trump to serve as the leader of a special federal task force with the mission of combating voter fraud across The United States in November's looming midterm elections."

It further alleged that Lake would have "WIDE RANGING INVESTIGATORY POWERS," including "the authority to refer ALL SUSPECTED INSTANCES OF ELECTION FRAUD TO THE DOJ FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION," with the stated goal of deterring "CORRUPT GOVERNORS, SECRETARIES OF STATE AND POLL WORKERS" from attempting to "RIG the 2026 midterms."

The viral post concluded by claiming that "a national tip line for citizens to report voter fraud" would also be established as part of Lake's task force.

Fact Check: Trump did not appoint Kari Lake to lead a special federal election fraud task force

The claim is false. There is no official evidence that Donald Trump appointed Kari Lake to lead a special federal election fraud task force with Department of Justice referral powers or a nationwide voter-fraud tip line.

A review of White House announcements, executive orders, nomination records, and Department of Justice statements found no indication that such a position or task force exists. No government agency has announced a role matching the one described in the viral post.

Lake's recent public roles are well documented. She served as a senior adviser and acting CEO of the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America and other government-funded broadcasters. In May 2026, Trump nominated her to serve as US ambassador to Jamaica, a nomination that remains subject to Senate confirmation.

The Trump administration has pursued broader initiatives aimed at combating government waste, fraud, and abuse, while also promoting election-integrity measures ahead of the 2026 midterms. However, none of these efforts involve Lake heading a dedicated election-fraud unit with the powers described online.

Notably, the viral post cites no official source, government document, or credible news report. Instead, it relies on vague terms such as "reportedly" and "apparently" while offering no supporting evidence. The claim appears to draw on Lake's prominence as a Trump ally and her past legal challenges to election results in Arizona.

While election security remains a major issue ahead of the midterm elections, there is no evidence that Lake has been given the authority or responsibilities described in the viral post.