Fact Check: Does Trump want Edward Snowden to oversee 2026 midterms to prevent election fraud?

WASHINGTON, DC: With the 2026 midterm elections approaching on November 3, a surprising claim is circulating online. Some reports say President Donald Trump wants Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower, to oversee the elections to prevent fraud. Let's fact-check the claim.

Claim: Trump plans to bring Edward Snowden to oversee the 2026 midterms

A post on X by user @joshhall2024, who describes himself as a 'freed political prisoner,' claimed that  Trump is considering Edward Snowden for a cybersecurity role to oversee the 2026 midterms. The post said, “President Trump is reportedly considering bringing on American hero Edward Snowden as a special cyber security intelligence officer to oversee the 2026 midterms and root out the Deep State within our government."

It also mentioned that Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, is 'hard at work' lobbying for a full presidential pardon for Snowden, whom she has long supported. 

"This comes as Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is said to be 'hard at work' behind the scenes lobbying for a full presidential pardon for Snowden, whom she has been a longtime advocate for and ally of."

The post ended by asking followers whether they support Snowden being Trump’s 'secret weapon' against election fraud.

"What do YOU think patriots... Do YOU support Edward Snowden being President Trump's secret weapon to fight election fraud and the evil forces within our government?"

Within hours, the post received over 24,000 views and sparked widespread debate, with some people claiming it could be true, while others dismissed it as clickbait.

Fact Check: False, No credible report supports claim

After checking multiple sources, it is clear that Donald Trump is not planning to appoint Edward Snowden to oversee the 2026 midterm elections. No reputable news outlet has reported any such announcement. If it were true, major media would have verified it.

Edward Snowden, a former US intelligence contractor and whistleblower living in Russia, is not involved in US election administration. 

There are no credible reports that Trump has offered him any role in the 2026 midterms. While there is ongoing debate about election security and integrity, there is no evidence that Snowden will supervise the elections.

Additionally, there are no posts or statements on Edward Snowden’s social media accounts, where he has millions of followers on X, supporting this claim. The rumor, which originated on X, does not include any official statement from Donald Trump confirming such plans.

Searches on Google and other platforms using keywords like 'Trump and Edward Snowden' or “Is Trump appointing Snowden election security” also show no credible evidence of such a proposal. Therefore, the claim is false.