It is now clear: Trump is plotting a coup in November.

As the 2024 U.S. elections near, concerns grow over Donald Trump's plans to disrupt the democratic process. Reports reveal efforts by Trump and his allies to declare a national emergency, citing unfounded claims of foreign interference, and introduce measures that could undermine the election. The situation increasingly poses a threat to American democracy.

Trump's Plan for Power: A Disruption in November

As the 2024 U.S. elections approach, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party are faced with the crucial task of demonstrating that a second term under Donald Trump could pose a severe threat to American democracy. While Harris and her supporters have warned of such dangers, these concerns have often seemed speculative, making it difficult for many to fully appreciate the gravity of the situation. However, with recent developments, the once-theoretical threat of Trump's actions is now taking on a more concrete and alarming shape.

The Push to Interfere with the Election

New reports are shedding light on how Trump and his allies may attempt to disrupt future elections. The Washington Post has revealed that pro-Trump activists, claiming to work alongside the Trump administration, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order. This document outlines plans to declare a national emergency, citing unfounded accusations of Chinese interference in the 2020 election. The draft proposes several restrictive measures, including mandatory voter identification and a ban on mail-in ballots, and calls for Trump to issue an executive order to implement these policies.

The premise of this plan is built on false claims. Despite Trump's repeated allegations, there is no evidence to suggest that China interfered in the 2020 election. A 2021 report by U.S. intelligence agencies found that while foreign actors, including Russia, did attempt to influence the election, there was no interference by China. Nonetheless, the China narrative persists within Trump's camp, providing a convenient justification for the proposed emergency measures. Trump might use this alleged foreign threat as a rationale to suspend election processes and impose harsh voting restrictions.

Legal Obstacles and Potential Tactics

While Trump lacks the legal authority to unilaterally implement such measures, there are legal avenues he could attempt to exploit. Legal experts, such as Norm Eisen, have pointed out that Trump’s previous attempts to invoke emergency powers, like his tariff policies, were challenged and overturned by the Supreme Court. Despite this, Trump may try to invoke powers under the Insurrection Act or similar laws to declare a state of emergency, which could enable him to introduce extreme measures, such as banning early voting, restricting mail-in ballots, or even postponing the election altogether.

Even if these actions are challenged in court, Trump’s strategy could involve slowly escalating authoritarian measures. In the lead-up to the election, he could implement new voter identification rules, limit early voting, and attempt to cancel mail-in ballots. As election day nears, he might use the fabricated threat of foreign interference to justify these measures and, in the worst-case scenario, attempt to delay the election entirely under the guise of emergency powers.

Media Influence and Corporate Connections

Another key element of Trump’s potential plan for consolidating power is his influence over the media. In 2024, an unexpected turn of events saw David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, aggressively pursue a takeover of major media outlets, including CBS and CNN. His actions, aligned with Trump’s interests, raised alarms about the potential for media consolidation under pro-Trump forces. Ellison’s $111 billion offer to acquire these outlets, surpassing Netflix’s bid, illustrates the growing intersection of corporate power and political influence.

Trump’s connections to Ellison and his involvement in the broader media landscape suggest that Trump and his allies might exploit their control over major media outlets to suppress dissent and manipulate public opinion. This would further solidify their hold on power, potentially reshaping the media to serve their narrative and suppress opposing voices.

How a Coup Could Unfold

Imagine a scenario where, by October, Trump is facing multiple scandals that have damaged his public image, and his approval ratings are declining. With the economy struggling and Democrats gaining ground in key races, including the House and Senate, Trump could feel cornered. In such a situation, he might declare a state of emergency and postpone the election, citing national security concerns. This decision would likely be challenged in the Supreme Court, but Trump could bypass judicial authority by relying on loyal state governors and control over state resources.

Such an action would constitute a de facto coup d'état. While it remains unclear whether Trump could succeed in this endeavor, his control over key media outlets, particularly Fox News, and his growing influence in the corporate media sphere would make it easier to present his actions in a favorable light. By controlling the narrative, Trump could make it harder for the public to recognize the severity of the situation and mobilize against it.

The Growing Danger to Democracy

The prospect of a Trump-led coup, once dismissed as improbable, is now a pressing concern. As we approach the 2024 election, the potential for authoritarian actions is becoming clearer. Whether through efforts to undermine the election process or manipulate the media, Trump’s vision for the future appears to involve consolidating power and silencing opposition. Although significant legal and political challenges stand in his way, his growing influence in the media and political spheres makes the situation increasingly volatile. The threat is not certain, but the groundwork for a potential power grab is being laid. With each passing week, the possibility of a slide into authoritarianism is becoming less hypothetical and more of a looming reality.

Sources:

• The Washington Post
• CNN
• Politico
• It Can Now Be Plainly Said: Trump Is Planning a November Coup d’État