Friend,
We can’t afford to look away.
Donald Trump and his allies are already putting the pieces in place to interfere with the 2026 midterms. This isn’t speculation – it’s a documented strategy. From executive orders that push unconstitutional voting restrictions, to allies openly discussing “emergency powers” to seize control of elections, the threat is real and immediate.
The Brennan Center reports that Trump’s administration is pressuring states to hand over voter rolls and use flawed databases that could wrongly purge thousands of eligible voters. At the same time, Democracy Docket has revealed that one of Trump’s closest confidantes, Cleta Mitchell, is suggesting he may declare a national emergency to take control of elections outright.
These are not empty threats. They’re calculated moves designed to undermine confidence in our democracy, intimidate voters and election officials, and tilt the system in Trump’s favor.
Chip in now to fight back against Trump’s election meddling >>
Here’s what we’re up against:
- False claims from federal agencies. Trump’s March executive order directs the Department of Justice and Homeland Security to pressure states into purging voter rolls using a deeply flawed database. Experts warn it could lead to mass disenfranchisement of eligible voters, and those false claims could then be weaponized to contest election results Trump doesn’t like.
- Misleading government reports. Trump has ordered DHS to issue reports questioning the security of voting machines, even though nearly every state uses paper-backed systems that are routinely tested and audited. He’s even demanded the decertification of machines the U.S. Election Assistance Commission has already certified – a step he has no legal authority to take, but one that could still undermine public trust.
- Politicized prosecutions. Trump’s DOJ is pursuing investigations of election officials and voter registration groups under a 150-year-old civil rights law – a tactic borrowed directly from Project 2025. Even the threat of prosecution can terrify local officials, shut down voter registration drives, and discourage people from casting a ballot.
- Vote counting interference. Trump’s order directed the DOJ to block states from counting mail ballots after Election Day – even though 30 states explicitly allow it, including for military and overseas voters. He has hinted at seizing voting equipment and has a track record of pressuring state officials not to certify results he doesn’t like.
Donate today to defend the 2026 midterms >>
And now, Trump allies are floating a new unconstitutional tactic: using emergency powers to put elections under federal control. Imagine federal agents or even the National Guard deployed to polling places in Democratic strongholds – that’s the scenario they are publicly preparing us for.
Let’s be clear: none of these moves are guaranteed to succeed. State and local officials administer elections. Courts have already struck down parts of Trump’s unconstitutional orders. But his strategy doesn’t rely on winning outright. It relies on sowing chaos, intimidating voters and election workers, and casting enough doubt on results that his allies can refuse to certify them.
That’s why our work is urgent. We must:
- Expose and challenge Trump’s attempts to misuse federal power.
- Support the state and local officials resisting illegal demands.
- Mobilize voters in overwhelming numbers so no scheme can overcome the will of the people.
But none of this will happen without resources. Every organizing and mobilization push, every public campaign takes funding – and Trump is counting on us being too slow or too underfunded to fight back.
Rush a donation now to help us fight for free and fair elections >>
Our democracy will only hold if people refuse to be silenced. We cannot let intimidation or confusion keep voters at home. That means turning out in force, joining civic groups, supporting voter registration, and even stepping up as poll workers.
Trump’s regime may try to sow chaos and doubt, but the system itself is resilient — and the president’s power to dictate elections is extremely limited. What matters most is whether we all participate.
With your support, we can expose the lies, defend election officials, and protect every ballot cast. If Americans vote in overwhelming numbers, Trump’s attempts to sabotage the 2026 midterms will fail.
Thank you for standing on the side of democracy.
— People For the American Way
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Sources:
[1] "What to Expect Next in the Trump Administration’s Strategy to Meddle with the Vote" The Brennan Center, 8/27/25
[2] "Cleta Mitchell Thinks Trump Will Use Emergency Powers to Take Control of Elections" Democracy Docket, 9/3/25
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