Donald Trump is mobilising an 'Election Integrity Army' to oversee the 2026 midterm elections, promising a force 'bigger and stronger' than the one he credits for his 2024 victory. The announcement follows remarks by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who suggested that evidence may emerge showing Trump actually won states he lost in 2020. 'I think we are going to find out he actually did win,' Wiles told attendees at the Independent Women's Forum gala in Washington on Thursday.
Trump's 2026 Plan
In a Sunday post on Truth Social, Trump outlined his strategy, stating that during his 2024 triumph 'the Republicans had an Election Integrity Army in every single State to preserve the sanctity of each legal vote.' Now, grassroots Republicans across the nation are working to replicate that success by deploying volunteers to silently observe voters and ensure legality at polling stations. The Republican National Committee (RNC) is also assembling a team of lawyers to file legal actions on election day to ensure smooth operations.
GOP Concerns Over Midterms
The initiative comes amid fears within the GOP that Republicans could face a significant defeat in the midterms, driven by mounting frustration over Trump's policies, including the Iran conflict and rising gas prices. The national average for gasoline has surged by more than 50 percent to $4.52 per gallon. Trump's approval rating stands at 37 percent, with 59 percent disapproving, marking the lowest of his presidency according to a recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll.
Matthew Hurtt, chairman of the Arlington County Republican Committee in Virginia, emphasised the importance of local efforts. 'Election integrity is a core responsibility of local Republican committees,' he told the Daily Mail. He noted that his committee operates a 'professionally-run, volunteer-driven' operation with 'dozens of members who both work as election officials and volunteer as poll watchers.'
Role of Poll Watchers
Poll watchers are partisan volunteers credentialed by a party or campaign to observe voting on election day. They monitor check-in procedures, ballot handling, drop boxes, and the counting process, flagging any irregularities to their party's legal team. In many states, they can formally challenge a voter's eligibility on the spot, forcing that individual to cast a provisional ballot that may or may not be counted.
Hurtt hosted a well-attended election integrity training in partnership with the RNC ahead of the 2024 election, drawing grassroots activists and local GOP leaders from across Virginia. He added, 'Working alongside our partners at the Republican Party of Virginia and the Republican National Committee, this model has ensured election integrity at the local level, where elections play out. It has been a primary focus of my committee for years and will continue to be a focus in the 2026 midterm elections and beyond.'
Chloe Anagnos Pierce, president of the Indiana Federation of Republican Women, expressed confidence in the RNC's commitment. 'The RNC has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to election integrity in key states across the country. I'm confident they'll continue that outstanding work in 2026 to help ensure every lawful vote is counted and every voice is heard,' she told the Daily Mail.
Democratic Response
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged that Democrats are prepared to counter the GOP's efforts. 'Donald Trump knows, his party knows, that they're at risk of losing this election in 2026, which is why they're working round the clock to tilt the scales unfairly in their favor,' Schumer said on the Senate floor late last month.
