Constitutional lawyer and writer David French has issued a stark warning regarding potential threats to the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. In an op-ed published on October 15, 2023, in The New York Times, French expressed concerns about former President Donald Trump and what he describes as an effort to “unlawfully influence” the electoral process.
French argues that Trump’s disregard for the law, combined with his control over Congress and a fervent base, poses a significant risk to American democracy. He stated, “A president who doesn’t care about the law… represents a threat to the next election.” This statement highlights his belief that many citizens remain unaware of the dangers that lie ahead.
Historical Context and Current Developments
Drawing parallels to the January 6 Capitol riot, which was partly incited by Trump’s unfounded claims of a “rigged” 2020 election, French emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues. He points to recent events, such as the FBI’s raid on a Georgia election center, as alarming indicators of Trump’s intentions. The involvement of Tulsi Gabbard, a former Congresswoman and Trump’s director of national intelligence, adds another layer of concern.
Moreover, French highlights Trump’s mass deportation initiatives across the country, which have been criticized for racially profiling individuals. He believes these actions could suppress voter turnout by instilling fear among nonwhite citizens, potentially discouraging them from participating in the electoral process.
False Claims and Voter Suppression
Continuing to propagate his claims about the 2020 election, Trump has made statements via social media suggesting that foreign interference, including Italian satellites, manipulated voting machines. French warns that these narratives are not merely falsehoods but part of a broader strategy to shape public perception and electoral outcomes.
French warns that many Americans have not fully grasped the implications of Trump’s tactics. He notes, “You may realize that Trump can unlawfully influence an election without explicitly rigging the count. By deterring his enemies from coming to the polls, he can engineer the outcomes he seeks.” This assertion calls for heightened awareness and vigilance among the electorate.
In concluding his op-ed, French describes the situation as a “fire drill,” urging citizens to treat this warning seriously. He emphasizes that the actions taken by Trump and his supporters are not isolated incidents but part of a coordinated effort that could undermine the integrity of future elections. “Another kind of theft might already be underway,” he cautioned, highlighting the need for collective action to safeguard democratic values.
