How to plan for an election that leaders are trying to subvert | Daniel Altschuler and Javier Corrales
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-12 06:00:00 — www.theguardian.com
Trump’s Baseless Claims and Actions Undermine U.S. Election Integrity
Donald Trump continues to assert, without evidence, that the American election system is “rigged.” This persistent narrative, which he has repeated throughout his administration, serves as a foundation for justifying significant changes to electoral rules—changes that experts warn are designed to subvert the fairness and competitiveness of U.S. elections.
Trump’s Words and Actions
The president’s own words have left little doubt about his intentions. In January 2026, he told Reuters: “When you think of it, we shouldn’t even have an election.” This statement, far from being an isolated remark, aligns with a broader pattern of behavior and policy. The administration has rewarded individuals who used violence to disrupt the last transfer of power, disabled federal agencies tasked with protecting election integrity, sought greater executive control over voter registration, and threatened to withhold terrorism prevention funding from states that refuse to alter their voting rules.
A Coherent Plan for Electoral Subversion
These actions are not random or careless; they point to a systematic plan to erode the institutional foundations of competitive elections. By repeatedly claiming the system is rigged, Trump and his allies create a pretext for changing rules in their favor. State legislatures aligned with the administration have moved to increase their control over election certification, undermining the independence of those tasked with monitoring elections.
The logic behind these moves is clear: to narrow the field of who votes, who counts, and who wins. Rather than adjusting public policies to better reflect the electorate’s preferences, as democratic leaders do, Trump’s administration has focused on adjusting the electoral rules themselves.
The Broader Impact
Trump’s rhetoric and policy actions have a chilling effect on voter participation. By convincing people that the system is so corrupt that voting is pointless, the administration risks suppressing turnout—an outcome that disproportionately benefits those opposed to free and fair elections. This strategy mirrors tactics used by illiberal leaders in other countries who, facing declining competitiveness, seek to entrench their power by manipulating the rules of the game.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s repeated, unsubstantiated claims about election fraud and his administration’s coordinated efforts to change electoral rules represent a direct threat to the integrity of American democracy. These are not isolated incidents, but part of a coherent plan to subvert the electoral process. Protecting the future of U.S. democracy will require vigilance, civic engagement, and a broad coalition committed to ensuring that every vote counts and that the rules of the game remain fair for all.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jul/12/trump-election-subversion