Trump’s Controversial Moves Ahead of the 2026 Midterm Elections

A draft executive order, titled “Establishing Security, Integrity, and Transparency for United States Elections with Protections Against Foreign Interference,” has emerged from pro-Trump activists. This 17-page document claims that China interfered in the 2020 presidential election, a narrative that has been widely discredited. The order suggests that Donald Trump could declare a national emergency to assume control over the electoral process ahead of the 2026 midterms. It proposes stringent measures, including requiring proof of identity and citizenship for voters, banning mail-in ballots, and mandating hand-counted ballots.

InquisitrTrump preparing to ‘steal’ the midterm electionsThe IndependentBlackPressUSAThe GuardianThe Guardian

Since losing the 2020 election to President Joe Biden, Trump has consistently alleged widespread voter fraud without evidence. His administration's actions, including the seizure of election-related documents by the FBI in Fulton County, Georgia, have raised concerns about potential disruptions to the electoral process. Critics argue that these moves are part of a broader strategy to undermine the integrity of elections and consolidate power.

The Guardian

Legislation supporting the provisions of the draft executive order has been advanced in Congress, including the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), which requires proof of citizenship and photo identification for voting. Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, has initiated investigations into voting machines, including those used in Puerto Rico, citing potential vulnerabilities. These investigations have been criticized as politically motivated, with opponents arguing they serve to justify Trump's claims of election fraud.

The Guardian

Democratic leaders and voting rights advocates have condemned Trump's actions as an attempt to interfere with the electoral process. Senator Mark Warner stated, “Let’s be clear: there’s no national emergency. This is a plot to interfere with the will of voters.” Additionally, organizations like Issue One have argued that Trump lacks the legal authority to unilaterally alter the electoral process, likening his proposed actions to tactics used by authoritarian regimes.

The Independent

While Trump and his allies assert that foreign interference justifies their actions, a National Intelligence Council report declassified in March 2021 found that China did not deploy efforts to influence the election outcome. Legal experts predict that any attempt to implement the proposed executive order would face immediate challenges in court, as it contradicts the constitutional authority granted to states over election management.

The Independent

• “There is now clear and compelling evidence from court cases and forensic analysis that these threats have not been mitigated but instead have intensified,” — Draft Executive Order

Trump preparing to ‘steal’ the midterm elections

• “Let’s be clear: there’s no national emergency. This is a plot to interfere with the will of voters.” — Senator Mark Warner

The Independent

• “The proposed executive order reported in The Washington Post is straight out of the playbook used by dictators to undermine democratic elections to cement their own unchecked power.” — Issue One Policy Director Michael McNulty

The Independent

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Trump's maneuvers raise significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The potential for legal battles and political fallout looms large, as both sides prepare for a contentious electoral landscape. The implications of these developments could reshape the political landscape in the United States, particularly if Trump's actions are perceived as undermining democratic norms.

The Guardian