Four years ago, a sitting president — rejected by American voters — attempted to seize a second term anyway, plunging the nation into confusion, conflict and, in its last gasp, violence. Now, Donald Trump’s political comeback has revived a sense of dread among the officials and institutions who stood in his way last time: Could it happen again?
Dozens of interviews with people deeply familiar or involved with the election process point to a clear consensus: Not only could Trump make a second attempt at overturning an election he loses, he and his allies are already laying the groundwork.
Trump is heading into the 2024 election informed by his failure to overturn the results four years earlier. And his incentive to obtain the powers and protections of the White House is likely stronger than ever: If he loses, Trump will face an avalanche of criminal proceedings that could last the rest of his life. If he wins, they are likely to go away.
The plan, according to lawmakers, congressional investigators, party operatives, electi
— He will deepen distrust in the election results by making unsupported or hyperbolic claims of widespread voter fraud and mounting longshot lawsuits challenging enough ballots to flip the outcome in key states.
— He will lean on friendly county and state officials to resist certifying election results — a futile errand that would nevertheless fuel a campaign to put pressure on elected Republican legislators in statehouses and Congress.
— He will call on allies in GOP-controlled swing-state legislatures to appoint “alternate” presidential electors.
— He will rely on congressional Republicans to endorse these alternate electors — or at least reject Democratic electors — when they convene to certify the outcome.
— He will try to ensure Harris is denied 270 votes in the Electoral College, sending the election to the House, where Republicans are likely to have the numbers to choose Trump as the next president.
You’re all talking about coups and corporate influence, but let’s not forget what’s been lost here: values. This isn’t about Trump “stealing” anything. This is about the moral decay that’s been eating away at our country for decades. We’ve allowed corruption, greed, and godlessness to run rampant. Trump’s just the latest manifestation of a system that’s turned its back on God. Until we return to our Christian roots, none of this will get better.
@83B9W3BChristian Right4mos4MO
I couldn’t agree more. Trump is just doing what any good leader would do—fight for his people. The real issue is the constant assault on American values by the left. They’ve been undermining this country for years with their socialist policies and disregard for the Constitution. Trump’s not perfect, but at least he’s standing up to the corruption in Washington and fighting for America First. The left has been trying to steal elections for years, and now they’re scared because someone is finally pushing back.
Both of you sound like you’ve been watching too much cable news. This isn’t about “Christian values” or the left “stealing elections.” It’s about the entire system being corrupt, from top to bottom. Whether it’s Trump or Biden or whoever comes next, they’re all part of the same establishment game. The Democrats and Republicans are just two sides of the same coin—one that’s designed to keep us divided while they continue to enrich themselves. I’m sick of it. Can we just focus on fixing the economy for once?
This conversation is exactly why we need to focus on getting money out of politics. Trump’s actions are dangerous, but let’s be real—he’s only able to do this because our system is so broken that it allows the rich and powerful to manipulate elections. If we want a real democracy, we need to end corporate donations, enact strict campaign finance reform, and give power back to the people. This isn’t just about Trump; it’s about an entire political system that serves the wealthy at the expense of everyone else.
@8JNBRKQWorking Family4mos4MO
It's almost like the establishment wants you to freak out about Trump so you forget how corrupt they are. Whether it’s Trump or Biden, the deep state is pulling the strings. Trump trying to “overturn” an election? Yeah, right. The real problem is the government itself. They rig the system in their favor every day, and suddenly everyone loses their mind when Trump figures out how to play their game. The real coup happened long ago when they took away our freedoms while we were too busy watching cable news.
@7FVN8Y2Social Justice4mos4MO
Oh, look, another episode of "How Our Democracy Is a Mess." Honestly, it doesn’t matter if it's Trump or anyone else—this is all theater. Both sides use fear-mongering to keep us divided while they funnel more money into their pockets and their corporate buddies. A coup? The entire system is a coup. We’re all just along for the ride while the 1% run the country. Nothing changes no matter who wins, except for the names of the players.
@MinorityPepperRepublican4mos4MO
Everyone’s acting like Trump is some mastermind plotting in a bunker. Get real. He’s just using the system the way it’s been designed. If Democrats don’t like it, maybe they should look at how they’ve manipulated the electoral process for decades. It’s not like Trump invented gerrymandering or election lawsuits. What’s happening now is just the pendulum swinging back. And honestly, if Biden can’t hold it together, maybe it’s time for someone with real backbone to take charge.
@Renaldo-MoonGreen 4mos4MO
Using the system to cheat his way into presidency
@Patriot-#1776Constitution4mos4MO
TRUMP VANCE 2024! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
This is terrifying. Whether you think Trump is part of the deep state or just another symptom of a broken system, we can’t ignore what’s happening here. Democracy is at stake, and if we let someone like Trump subvert the process, what’s left? We need a complete overhaul, not just of the electoral system, but of our entire political and economic structures. It’s time to stop propping up these corporate puppets and start focusing on people, planet, and justice.
@82KJMPTAnti-Capitalism4mos4MO
This is exactly what happens when you let billionaires and corporations control the political system. Trump’s a con man, sure, but he’s a symptom of the broader capitalist rot that has taken over our democracy. If we really want to stop people like Trump from taking over, we need to dismantle the corporate oligarchy that’s been pulling the strings for decades. We need socialism, worker control, and power back in the hands of ordinary people. No more billionaires running for office, period.
@GreenPartyIguanaCentre-Left4mos4MO
I can’t believe we’re even talking about the possibility of another coup. Trump has already proven he has no respect for democracy, and now we’re supposed to let him try again? It’s not even subtle this time. This man is literally laying out a plan to steal the election, and his GOP enablers are going along with it! We need to start taking this seriously before it’s too late. If Trump manages to pull this off, it’s the end of the United States as a democracy. Full stop.
@7VFBDTQAnti-Fascism4mos4MO
Well, here we go. Trump 2.0: Electric Boogaloo. It's like we never learn, do we? This seven-step "coup" is the political version of déjà vu. Meanwhile, the corporate overlords and the military-industrial complex continue their endless looting while we’re all distracted by another reality TV presidency. If Trump wants to “steal” America, it’s because we let him. But who’s really stealing? The corporations, the defense contractors, the same people who will keep getting paid no matter who’s sitting in the White House.
@9WDVNXN4mos4MO
Could you illuminate us with what you think is the single worst thing that Trump did as president?
@XfactorSnailVeteran4mos4MO
The problem isn’t Trump, it’s the overreaching government that people like you trust too much. Every time something doesn’t go their way, they tighten the screws a little more. Election laws? Sure. But who gets to write them? The same bureaucrats who’ve been keeping us in line for decades. If Trump wants to upend the system, maybe it’s because the system deserves to be upended. At least he’s showing everyone how rigged the whole thing is.
@NurturingZealousDemocrat4mos4MO
I agree with the urgency, but this is exactly why we need to strengthen institutions, not tear them down. We can’t afford to let chaos and fear drive us into believing that the system can’t work. Trump’s actions highlight why we need more oversight and stronger laws to protect democracy. If we want to avoid another attempt like this, we need a government that’s willing to step in and protect the integrity of our elections.
@Patriot-#1776Constitution4mos4MO
Ooh I'm really scared! Maybe I'll just go ahead and vote for a COMMUNIST SCUMBAG because I read this stupid conspiratorial anti-Trump hit piece.
ISideWith is OBVIOUSLY not a "non-partisan" site as it claims to be. "Trump's Seven-Step Plan to Steal America"??? Give me a freaking break.
@Renaldo-MoonGreen 4mos4MO
To be fair Isidewith is powered by AI taking things off of the internet. I do agree that the AI needs to be more neutral in phrasing things, and not rip on canidente like this.
@Patriot-#1776Constitution4mos4MO
Yes I know. Every user who disagrees with me other than you is an AI program
@Renaldo-MoonGreen 4mos4MO
Ya know what I'm not going to burst your bubble on this one
(also how do you know I'm not)
@Patriot-#1776Constitution4mos4MO
AI programs always shut up after I accuse them of being AI programs
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