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The US Supreme Court denied the Trump administration's request to lift a federal judge's block on new rules restricting mail-in voting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The administration had sought emergency intervention to implement tighter mail ballot requirements nationwide, arguing they were necessary to secure the vote. White House official Blanche said the administration would comply with the ruling while defending Trump, who claimed the decision set the United States 'back 100 years.' Analysts note the ruling and the administration's response add to the high stakes surrounding the 2026 midterm primaries, seen as pivotal for the balance of power in Washington amid deep partisan divisions.