Dear Friend,
As we head into a new year, the mission at Lincoln Square has never felt more urgent. We’re at a crossroads, and 2026 is going to be the year of consequence—a real test for our democracy and the strength of this community.
The strategy coming out of the White House is clear: hit us with a non-stop barrage of chaos until we’re too exhausted to care. They’re desperate to jam their agenda through and cast doubt on the Midterms before anyone can catch their breath.
But we’re staying on top of it for you. Our team just finished a look-ahead of what we expect from the Trump administration in 2026 so we don’t lose sight of what’s at stake. We’re tearing down the “gilded curtain” of the Oval Office to give you a preview of the madness—and the facts you’ll need to navigate it.
To fight back, we have to stay informed, stay sharp, and refuse to be sidelined.
Tonight, we’re giving you part one. Make sure you check your email tomorrow for the rest of the list.
What to Watch: An Exhaustive A-Z Preview of 2026
Here is what Lincoln Square expert strategists, contributors, and staff are monitoring as we prepare the essential commentary and analysis you’ll need to navigate this defining chapter of our Republic:
Oh boy, here goes…
2026 Midterm Elections: Serving as a national referendum on the Trump administration, the widespread corruption, the assault on our democracy, “the Big Beautiful Bill” Act and trade policies, the Midterms will determine if a potential Democratic House majority proceeds with impeachment resolutions and ultimately, the future of our Republic.
American Resistance & Grassroots Pushback: Organizations like the “No Kings” movement and the ACLU are amplifying organizing mass resistance to “abuse of power,” targeting militarized enforcement in communities and cuts to federal legal services.
Assault on Constitutional Freedoms: Through the “AI Litigation Task Force” and federal defunding of critical media like the CPB, the administration is actively targeting First Amendment protections to stifle dissent and control the national narrative.
Congressional Turnover & Retirements: A record “generational shift” is underway as over 50 members, including icons like Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell, retire or leave for state-level offices.
Consumer Prices & Tariff Impact: Household costs are expected to climb in 2026 as businesses pass through nearly $300 billion in annual tariff costs, with average retail prices for electronics and homebuilding materials projected to rise significantly.
Crisis in the Heartland: Despite the “Farmer Bridge” aid package, U.S. farm bankruptcies are forecasted to surge in 2026 as retaliatory tariffs and lost export markets exhaust the final financial reserves of family farms.
Death of Privacy and Mass Surveillance: 2026 marks the arrival of a “digital dragnet,” as federal agencies integrate AI-assisted facial recognition and social media mining to build unified investigative files on millions of Americans without judicial process.
Deepening Alignment with Russia: European allies are on high alert for 2026 as the administration’s 20-point peace plan and frequent Witkoff-Putin meetings signal a pivot toward Russian interests at the expense of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Democratic Mobilization & “Blue Sweep”: Democrats are deploying a “kitchen table” playbook focused on rising utility and healthcare costs to flip the 12 competitive “frontline” seats needed to retake the House.
DOJ Shakeups: A comprehensive “Reduction in Force” plan and reorganization at the DOJ are set for 2026, aimed at purging non-partisan civil servants and centralizing control over federal prosecutions.
Economic Fallout from Deportations: Economists warn that mass deportations could lead to labor shortages and a significant drop in GDP.
Economic Stability vs. Inflation: Analysts predict a “K-shaped” economy where tax cuts for the rich, unemployment, collide with 3.5% “sticky” inflation and high consumer costs from broad international tariffs that will impact the pocketbooks of Americans.
To help you navigate the year ahead, we are offering an exclusive, last-chance opportunity to upgrade your subscription. For just $6/month or $60/year—a 40% discount off our regular rate—you can unlock full access for all of 2026. You can cancel at anytime. This offer ends in 48 hours.
Environmental Protections Under Siege: In early 2026, the EPA is expected to finalize rules that gut greenhouse gas regulations for power plants and dismantle leading climate research institutions like the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
Epstein Files: Post-Release Fallout: Following the December 2025 release deadline, hundreds of thousands of unclassified Justice Department documents regarding Jeffrey Epstein are now entering the public domain, and likely triggering a wave of new subpoenas and headlines
Erosion of the Rule of Law: As the administration increasingly treats judicial orders as advisory rather than binding, experts warn that 2026 will see a systemic dismantling of the independent judiciary’s ability to check executive overreach.
Escalating Impeachment Resolutions: Multiple resolutions, including H.Res.353 and H.Res.537, have already been introduced to impeach the President for high crimes and misdemeanors, setting the stage for an explosive legislative year if the House majority flips.
Expansion of Targets to Naturalized Citizens: Internal guidance instructs USCIS to pursue 100 to 200 denaturalization cases per month throughout 2026, a massive escalation aimed at stripping citizenship from foreign-born Americans for minor or long-past paperwork errors.
Fallout from DOGE Cuts: The dismantling of the Department of Government Efficiency has left behind a 9% reduction in the federal workforce and the abrupt termination of $820 million in public safety grants.
Fight Against Poverty & Food Insecurity: Massive cuts to SNAP and WIC benefits under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act are expected to increase food insecurity for millions, disproportionately impacting low-income families and communities of color.
Fractures in the MAGA Movement: Internal rifts are widening as high-profile figures feud with the President over Epstein document releases and a perceived focus on foreign policy over domestic “America First” priorities.
Gen Z Factor: Democrats are pivoting toward younger voters who showed a massive 15-point swing back toward the party in recent 2025 state-level contests.
Healthcare Crisis & Safety Net Erosion: The expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies is projected to more than double average monthly premiums in 2026, while over $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts and new work requirements could leave nearly 10 million additional Americans uninsured.
Higher Education Restructuring: The administration’s 2026 budget proposes slashing $12 billion from the Department of Education, targeting Pell Grants, research funding, and debt forgiveness programs while dismantling federal oversight of university civil rights protections.
…and there’s more. Check your email tomorrow for part II
With the support of our paid subscribers, we are scaling our operations—adding staff and working around the clock to cut through the noise. We are dedicated to bringing you the insights on Substack that make you smarter about this moment and delivering the precise tools needed to fight back through the Lincoln Square Action platform and our digital toolkits to combat fascism and flip red seats to blue.
Our fight for the future of our democracy in 2026 and beyond will require a community that is informed, coordinated, and ready to act. By upgrading today, you ensure that you are part of a growing, resistant community of patriots at Lincoln Square, armed with the insights from political insiders who make us smarter at this critical moment.
Upgrade today for just $6/month or $60/year. This is our final discount offer for the year—take advantage of it and join the fight to flip red seats to blue and help deliver a punishing defeat of the MAGA movement in 2026.
In Solidarity,
The Lincoln Square Team
PS Don’t forget to check your email tomorrow for part II of this 2026 preview!