Trump intensifies attacks on the US electoral system ahead of midterms

Thursday 05 February 2026 - 07:00

By: Sahili Aya

Trump intensifies attacks on the US electoral system ahead of midterms

US President Donald Trump has renewed his offensive against the American electoral system, escalating his rhetoric and actions as the country heads toward high-stakes midterm elections this autumn—an electoral cycle that appears increasingly unfavorable for his party.

In recent statements, Trump suggested transferring the organization of elections from individual states to federal authorities, at least in selected locations. Speaking on a conservative podcast, he argued that the federal government should “take control of voting” in several jurisdictions, particularly in large urban areas traditionally aligned with Democrats.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts, who stress that the US Constitution clearly assigns the management of elections to the states. According to constitutional scholars, this decentralization is designed both to accommodate the country’s size and to serve as a safeguard against abuses of power.

Beyond rhetoric, the Trump administration has intensified legal and administrative pressure. Federal authorities have conducted searches at election facilities and sought access to voter records in multiple states—moves that critics say risk undermining public trust in the democratic process.

Trump continues to claim that the 2020 presidential election was manipulated, despite repeated court rulings confirming its integrity. Analysts warn that such narratives may be intended to cast doubt on the legitimacy of upcoming elections and prepare the ground for potential disputes.

Civil rights organizations have urged vigilance, expressing concern that federal power could be used to interfere with state-run elections. As the campaign season accelerates, the resilience of the US electoral system is once again being put to the test.