Inside Trump’s Effort to “Take Over” the Midterm Elections

ProPublica
by Doug Bock Clark
April 13, 2026
7 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

President Trump's administration is replacing federal officials with loyalists to influence the 2026 midterm elections.

How This Affects You

Changes to election administration and security could undermine trust in democratic processes and potentially affect the fairness of future elections.

AI Summary

ProPublica reveals that the Trump administration has overhauled federal agencies, replacing officials who resisted overturning the 2020 election results with loyalists. This includes approximately two dozen people installed in positions affecting elections, ten of whom actively worked to reverse the 2020 vote. The examination details how the administration has dismantled CISA's election security work, starting in February 2025, by putting employees on leave and freezing operations. These actions are occurring as President Trump steps up efforts to "nationalize" the 2026 midterms, with his approval rating nearing record lows. Democrats and experts warn that these changes, including new executive orders on mail-in voting, will make 2026 an unprecedented test of American election integrity.

What's Being Done

Democrats and experts are warning that these changes will make the 2026 midterms an unprecedented test of American election integrity.

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