A small group of about 10 current and former U.S. national security and Defense Department officials has been privately advising state governments and congressional lawmakers on how to prepare for the possibility that the Trump administration will attempt to “interfere” in November’s midterm elections.
According to people involved, the group has consulted with officials from 10 states — including governors, election officials, and members of the House and Senate from both parties — over the past several months. The effort focuses on jurisdictions with tightly contested races that could decide control of Congress.
Members of the group base their warnings on the administration’s public statements and actions rather than classified intelligence. The consultations are being conducted outside the officials’ government roles.
Concerns include the possible deployment of troops or immigration agents to polling places and attempts to challenge or overturn election results based on allegations of voter fraud. In discussions with lawmakers, particularly Republicans, the group has stressed the importance of being prepared to publicly oppose such actions. Gen. Dan Caine said in August that there were no plans to deploy troops to polling places or seize voting records. The Department of Homeland Security also said ICE was not planning operations targeting polling locations.
White House spokesperson Lauren Bis dismissed the concerns, saying the administration was taking action to protect elections, prosecute election crimes and prevent voter fraud.
