Representative Mike Levin (D-California) criticized President Donald Trump this week over comments suggesting he has instructed federal prosecutors to investigate election outcomes he disputes.Levin argued that Trump openly acknowledged calling U.S.attorneys and requesting investigations into races where his preferred candidates were losing, describing the behavior as inappropriate interference in the electoral process.According to Levin, Trump referenced contacting a U.S.attorney in California and asking them to look into a specific race, despite no evidence of fraud being present in the state’s vote-counting process.

Levin emphasized that California’s election system is transparent and secure, noting that every registered voter receives a mail ballot, signatures are verified upon return, and ballots postmarked by Election Day are counted even if they arrive later.

He argued that slow vote counting is a result of procedural safeguards rather than any wrongdoing, summarizing his view with the phrase “slow is not fraud.

” He also pointed out that local election officials and even Republican candidate Steve Hilton have not confirmed any irregularities or improper federal involvement in the process.

The congressman further connected Trump’s recent remarks to the 2020 election, suggesting that the former president’s refusal to accept that outcome has led him to view subsequent elections he dislikes as inherently suspicious or criminal.

Levin stated he would support legitimate efforts to improve election efficiency but opposed any presidential action that could be seen as using federal investigative power to influence or challenge legitimate electoral results.

The comments were also circulated by political scientist Norman Ornstein, adding further attention to the debate over presidential conduct and election integrity.