Tell the Media: Expose Midterm Election Threats

Donald Trump and his allies are increasingly signaling efforts to challenge, undermine, or delegitimize the 2026 midterm elections before votes are even cast. From attacks on mail voting and election administration to rhetoric suggesting unfavorable outcomes would be illegitimate, these actions are not isolated political complaints—they are part of a broader effort to shape the rules and public perception of the election itself.

Yet too much media coverage treats these developments as campaign strategy, partisan messaging, or political spectacle rather than confronting the democratic stakes. When threats to election integrity are framed as routine politics, the public is left without a clear understanding of how trust in elections can be eroded long before Election Day. The issue is not just rhetoric—it is whether the foundations of democratic participation are being weakened.

We call on major news organizations to cover these efforts with urgency and clarity—examining how attacks on election systems, voting access, and certification processes could affect the 2026 midterms. The public deserves reporting that clearly explains when democratic norms are under pressure and who stands to benefit from undermining confidence in elections.