Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin made a shocking threat on Friday to state officials if they don’t go along with Donald Trump’s SAVE America Act.

During a press conference that referenced the president’s speech on Thursday where he attempted once again to regurgitate his old lies that the 2020 election was rigged, Mullin suggested there could be consequences to officials who don’t kowtow to his fearless leader’s dubious claims.

After a reporter from the Daily Caller asked the secretary if he could “ensure that the midterm elections will be secure,” Mullin stressed the need to “build confidence in the American people,” but stressed that “the states have to do their part.”

Then he vowed to hold state election officials who don’t “participate in the SAVE program” accountable “by fines, by penalties, and even, depending on how far it goes, prison time.”

The SAVE America Act, which would require voters to prove their citizenship when registering to vote and show a photo ID at the polls, does not seem likely to pass the Senate despite Trump’s urging.

Markwayne Mullin: "States that choose not to participate in the Save Program…we will make sure we make those states a priority to look at who voted in their states and holding their election officials accountable…by fines, by penalties, and even prison time." pic.twitter.com/JumAZecD99

Mullin probably thought he sounded tough and principled when he made the threat, but many people pointed out the Constitution mandates states, not the federal government, handle elections.

This is just straight up fucking illegal. https://t.co/1SE521w33y

The constitution provides that states run elections. The federal govt does not. There is no legal authority for Mullin to take over elections, issue mandates & rules, or threaten elections officials with prison for failure to comply with unlawful orders. https://t.co/DYLOt47jAS

For what? No you don't get to tell states how to run elections.The federal gov is interfering in elections and threats only prove its intent. https://t.co/WzZp3wUfuK

This presser by Mullin rates a 9/10 on the fascist scale. Full on threats and intimidation for states to do what the courts have already said they don't have to. States administer elections. So 🖕🏽 off, Mullin. We do not consent, and we will not comply. https://t.co/42wBVcvwEk

Get a load of the state's rights party. https://t.co/J7DelnLLAA

California has free, fair, and secure elections and we will fight for them.Try us. https://t.co/apFpjuGWn3

Let’s get one thing clear—and pardon my language, but every republican that remains silent after last night and this today is an oath breaking piece of shit. Period. https://t.co/GdXKiiyJe2

Republicans don't believe in the Constitution. https://t.co/kpfs6GDWuN pic.twitter.com/na3Q1nbetZ

This plumber who never went to college, who has no law enforcement background, and certainly no legal background, knows nothing about election law, and will just continue to embarrass himself and waste government resources. He just plays to the audience of one. Ice Barbie with… https://t.co/5KoQywRxqX

They are losing, and they know it.Election officials will not be intimidated. Senate Democrats will make sure resources are in place to fight back against any illegal activity by the Trump administration. https://t.co/RumcgpWUhy

As an Oklahoma Congressman, Markwayne Mullin voted against certifying the 2020 results in Arizona and Pennsylvania. https://t.co/MD72EB5NIJ

Markwayne Mullin at his confirmation hearing: “The president will never ask me to break the law.” https://t.co/6hw01w8TE6

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