By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law recently released a report, “The Trump Administration’s Campaign to Undermine the Next Election,” detailing potential threats to democratic processes. The report highlights specific actions and strategies undertaken during the Trump administration that could negatively impact future elections. These include efforts to restrict voting access and undermine confidence in election results. The report serves as a warning about the ongoing risks to the integrity of the electoral process.
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“Unprecedented”: New Report Argues Trump WH Plans to Undermine 2026 Midterms
Let’s get right to it: the notion that a future Trump White House, and indeed the wider Republican Party, might try to manipulate the 2026 midterm elections is not just a possibility, but a deeply concerning probability. This isn’t some shocking revelation; it’s the logical conclusion based on their actions, their rhetoric, and their stated goals. The “unprecedented” label feels almost ironic at this point, given the history of election denialism and attempts to subvert the democratic process we’ve already witnessed.
The crux of the matter is this: for many, including significant figures within the GOP, winning isn’t the only goal; maintaining power, at any cost, is paramount. Their policies, often unpopular with the majority, necessitate alternative strategies. This means taking steps to bypass the will of the voters. The steps include: gerrymandering, voter suppression, and legal challenges to election outcomes.
What does this look like in practice? Well, we’ve already seen the playbook. Look at places like Texas, where redistricting efforts have been used to manipulate election maps for partisan gain. This is a familiar tactic, and it is being used on a large scale. The report makes the case that the plan has already been put in place and the process is well underway. Expect to see continued efforts to purge registered voters, particularly in progressive areas, and to close polling places in those same areas. The next level will be attacks on election results, challenging any Democratic victories by less than a certain margin, with potential delays in certifying results, potentially leading to a House Speaker not elected by voters.
The argument is that this is a deliberate effort to undermine the democratic process, not simply a series of isolated incidents. We’re talking about a hostile environment where those who do not align with Trump are seen as enemies. This includes anyone who doesn’t subscribe to their worldview, or anyone who doesn’t blindly accept the results of the election as they have been determined. It’s a strategy of division and control, designed to erode public trust and ensure that a particular faction remains in power, regardless of the popular vote.
The depth of the issue goes beyond Trump himself. It reflects a shift in the Republican Party toward a more authoritarian approach. Their policies are designed to serve a select group of people, without regard for the concerns of the larger public. When combined with a fundamental distrust of the media and the electoral system, this becomes a powerful engine for radicalization and anti-democratic sentiment.
Consider the rhetoric. The constant barrage of accusations of “cheating,” the vilification of political opponents, and the embrace of conspiracy theories are all part of the game. They are designed to create a climate of fear and distrust, where the very foundations of democracy are called into question. This is not a new tactic; it has been used throughout history to destabilize governments and seize power.
The issue isn’t just about rigging elections. It’s about reshaping the American political landscape in a fundamental way. They want to create an environment where dissent is crushed, opposition is demonized, and power is concentrated in the hands of a few. This is a direct threat to the freedoms that Americans have fought to protect. The report’s message is clear: if the public does not respond, the erosion of democratic values will continue until the election is stolen.
The key point is that the Trump administration has already laid the groundwork for these efforts. Project 2025 is proof. This initiative, spearheaded by conservative groups, has detailed plans for a wide range of policy changes, including efforts to reshape the federal government. The hidden-camera interview with Russell Vought, where he discusses pre-written executive orders, highlights just how far these plans have gone. This is not just about reacting to events; it is about proactively shaping the future.
So, what can be done? The answer is multifaceted and requires vigilance. It means holding elected officials accountable, demanding transparency, and actively participating in the democratic process. It means speaking out against the lies, misinformation, and fear-mongering that are being used to divide and control the public. The report is a reminder that the fight for democracy is an ongoing one, and that we must be prepared to defend it against those who seek to undermine it.