Dem AGs plot to thwart Trump election interference

Politico

by By Lisa Kashinsky

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Democratic attorneys general are actively preparing to counter potential election interference by President Donald Trump in the upcoming midterm elections. They have been running war-games and strategizing to address extreme scenarios they fear could unfold, such as ballot tampering, resource stripping from postal services, or the deployment of federal agents to polling sites to intimidate voters. These efforts include drafting legal motions for restraining orders to protect election materials and remove armed forces from voting locations. The concern arises from Trump’s history of election-related actions, including his 2020 claims of widespread fraud and attempts to assert federal control over elections. Democratic AGs have already challenged Trump’s executive orders aimed at overhauling election administration and accessing voter data. For instance, nineteen AGs filed a lawsuit last spring against Trump’s sweeping voting rules, many of which were blocked by courts. Recent remarks from Trump and his allies haveheightened fears of interference. Trump has called for federal intervention in key swing cities, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s comments about ensuring “the right people” vote have raised alarms among Democrats. These actions are seen as potential attempts to undermine election integrity. The attorneys general emphasize the importance of vigilance, given the precedent set by 2020 and Trump’s stated commitment to maintaining Republican dominance. As November approaches, they remain on high alert, prepared to counter any unconstitutional or disruptive measures aimed at influencing the outcome. This proactive stance underscores the ongoing tension between federal and state roles in election administration, with Democrats framing their efforts as necessary to protect democracy. For readers interested in politics, this highlights the delicate balance of power and the potential risks to election integrity. The actions of these AGs reflect a broader national conversation about ensuring fair and secure elections, which is critical for maintaining public trust in democratic processes.

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Originally published on Politico on 2/23/2026