Bush and Obama lawyers warn Trump could challenge 2026 election results if midterms don't go his way

Source: The Independent

Wednesday 12 November 2025 16:55 EST


Government lawyers, who served the Bush and Obama administrations, have warned that President Donald Trump may not take midterm election losses lying down.

Bob Bauer, who served under former President Barack Obama, and Jack Goldsmith, who worked for President George W. Bush, argued that Trump could dispute next year’s election results, which will determine whether or not the Republican party maintains control of Congress.

“His words and actions strongly suggest he may use the formidable powers of the presidency — and possibly even the armed forces — to resist 2026 electoral results he dislikes,” the lawyers wrote in The Economist Wednesday. “This prospect must be taken seriously.”

Bauer and Goldsmith noted that Trump has a history of questioning the legitimacy of election results, pointing to the 2020 win of President Joe Biden, which Trump has frequently described as “stolen” and “rigged.” And now — less than one year into his second term — Trump seems to be preparing to contest the midterms, which historically have resulted in losses for the president’s party.

Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/bush-obama-lawyers-trump-midterms-2026-b2864062.html