Statement from YWCA USA CEO Margaret Mitchell on President Donald Trump’s July 16, 2026, address to the nation
In response to President Trump’s address to the nation on July 16, 2026, regarding the security of United States elections - which are clearly documented to include multiple layers of checks to ensure that vote counts are accurate and that only eligible voters’ ballots are counted, YWCA USA CEO Margaret Mitchell issued the following statement:
“We are in a moment that will continue to test both our democracy and our resolve.
While some seek to sow confusion and undermine confidence in our elections, YWCA USA remains clear-eyed about what is at stake. Our focus is not on political distractions, but on protecting – and expanding access to – the fundamental act that makes every other right possible: the right of every American to vote.
We will continue to staunchly oppose harmful bills like the SAVE Act and other efforts that seek to disenfranchise voters, particularly for women, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and countless other Americans whose voices deserve to be heard.
Yesterday, I was honored to join Senator Alex Padilla (D – Calif.), Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D – Ga.), Bishop William Barber, and other leaders in the Senate, faith, and civil rights community at an interfaith democracy roundtable on Capitol Hill.
Together, we reaffirmed the enduring truth that the late Congressman John Lewis dedicated his life to defending: Our democracy belongs to the people, and every generation has a responsibility to protect it.
As we did yesterday, and as we have for more than a century, YWCA will continue to show up for this fight. We know that building the multiracial democracy we demand and deserve requires vigilance, courage, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every eligible voter has an equal opportunity to participate in civic life.
YWCA has always led with discipline and purpose, rejecting fear and doing what’s right. As CEO of YWCA USA, I will continue to raise my voice on Capitol Hill, support the fights at the state level alongside our YWCA network.
We will continue to keep our attention where it belongs: Working in partnership to lift the voices of communities who are too often overlooked and undervalued, to expand equitable access to civic participation, and to advance racial and gender justice.
This is the foundation of YWCA’s mission, the fundamental promise of this nation, and work that we must all recommit to every day – regardless of the headlines. I urge others to join us and do the same. Together, we can hold the line for the truth and continue the work of democracy.”