Yup, that's exactly what I'm saying. This is the United States of America, not United Soviet Socialist Republic (at least not yet anyway.) The President can provide guidance, but cannot DICTATE to the states, how their elections are run.
The CONSTITUTION states that "Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress." If a state legislature decides that electors shall be appointed according to the outcome of an arm wrestling match between candidates, guess what?
The FBI was too busy trying to investigate TRUMP to be bothered trying to investigate voter fraud. The commission that Trump set up was stonewalled at every turn, because of course ORANGE MAN BAD.
What would you have had President Trump do that is consistent with the laws and Constitution of the United States?
Trump may have control on money sent to different states for various projects. He may be able to cut funding for various social programs in offending states. And impose certain restrictions. I do not know exact details.
Executive branch is co-equal of congress & judiciary. I can not agree executive is powerless. But it takes bold action and ignore the media & politicians backlash.