Trump allies discuss martial law and emergency measures for 2026 midterms

Allies of President Donald Trump and various election activists are discussing extraordinary measures, including the declaration of martial law or a national emergency, in response to potential concerns regarding the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. Discussions among activists such as Tina Peters, Peter Ticktin, and Gregory Stenstrom have included proposals to suspend elections, seize voting equipment, and conduct manual recounts if they believe the process is compromised.

President Trump has declined to rule out declaring a state of emergency before the vote, even mentioning the potential use of the Insurrection Act. Experts and election officials have identified several scenarios where federal power could disrupt the election, ranging from pressure on officials to delay certification to the deployment of troops.

Legal experts warn that such actions would face significant constitutional and statutory obstacles, as election administration is primarily a state responsibility rather than a federal one. While an attempt to use emergency powers could trigger widespread litigation and confusion, experts note that a unilateral presidential declaration would not grant unlimited authority over the election process.