Donald Trump Spent the Last 8 Years Undermining Our Election System: Now, It's My Turn-But With a Twist

The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter #319

The Unsettling Reality of 2026 Elections

As we approach the 2026 U.S. elections...it's crucial to confront a hard truth: the assumption that our elections will be free and fair is increasingly tenuous.

Recent developments have exposed vulnerabilities in our electoral system...from foreign interference to domestic manipulation...casting doubt on the integrity of future elections.

I aim to convey just how fucked up our current situation really is, how much our backs are up against the wall…and…why confornting reality is a prerequisite for the preservation of Democracy.

Our unwillingness to do that on a mass-scale, will all but guarantee we lose this fight.

Foreign Interference: The Shadow Over Our Democracy

In 2024...foreign adversaries like Russia...China...and Iran launched sophisticated disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing voter perceptions and behaviors.

These efforts included the creation of fake social media accounts and the dissemination of misleading content...targeting specific voter demographics to sow discord and undermine confidence in the electoral process.

Domestic Challenges: The Rise of Controversial Election Officials

Domestically...the political landscape has seen the rise of election officials with controversial backgrounds and affiliations.

For instance...in Shasta County, California...a Florida attorney with no local ties or prior election experience was appointed as the new registrar of voters.

Critics argue that such appointments... often influenced by conspiracy theories...can erode public trust in the electoral system.

The Shift in the Department of Justice’s Focus

Moreover...the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division has shifted its focus from protecting voting rights to investigating voter fraud...aligning with claims of widespread election fraud that have been widely discredited.

This redefined mission raises concerns about the politicization of electoral oversight and the potential for undermining voter access.

The Erosion of Safeguards: A Threat to Election Integrity

These developments highlight a disturbing trend: the erosion of the safeguards that ensure free and fair elections...

As we look toward 2026...it's imperative to recognize that the integrity of our electoral process is under threat...and complacency could pave the way for further manipulation and disenfranchisement.

The Paradox of Our Situation: Voting for Democracy Despite the Odds

Even as we face the unsettling reality that the 2026 election may not be free and fair...we must take a resolute stance: we cannot afford to sit back and do nothing.

It’s a paradox that demands our unwavering commitment: we may not have a fair election...but we must fight for democracy by voting as if we do.

If we let the belief that the system is rigged or manipulated paralyze us...we lose the very essence of our agency and our power as citizens.

The Power of Voting: A Defiant Act of Resistance

Yes... the election system is vulnerable...and there are forces at work aiming to undermine the integrity of our votes.

From voter suppression tactics and gerrymandering to disinformation campaigns and the increasing concentration of power among elites...the odds may feel stacked against us.

Yet...these challenges are precisely why we must participate even more fiercely.

If we choose to disengage out of frustration or fear...we only hand more power to those who would manipulate the system to their benefit.

Voting as a Fight for the Future of Democracy

It’s essential that we vote...not just as a civic duty...but as a defiant act of resistance against those who seek to undermine the will of the people.

Our votes are not just ballots; they are a statement that we refuse to be silenced...manipulated... or controlled.

While the machinery of democracy may be flawed and the integrity of the system under attack... abstaining from the election is the same as surrendering.

We must show up at the polls... not only because it's our right...but because if we don’t...the forces working to dismantle democracy will win by default.

The Choice We Face: Preserve Democracy or Surrender

It’s crucial to understand that the fight to preserve democracy isn’t just about fair elections...it’s about our collective will to keep fighting...no matter the odds...

When the system appears rigged...when the deck seems stacked against us...voting is our chance to push back... The very act of voting...despite the obstacles...despite the doubts...is an act of defiance.

It’s a declaration that democracy isn’t dead...and it’s not for sale.We vote to win. We vote because it’s our only path forward in safeguarding the principles that we hold dear... no matter how hard the fight.

If we don’t vote...we let the darkness of disenfranchisement take root and grow. But if we do... we keep the light of democracy burning.

Brass Tacks:

Now, let’s get down to the brass tacks of my well-supported claims for why I believe we would be thinking very foolishly and naively if we were to conclude that our future elections will be free and fair.

1. Weaponization of the Justice Department

The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division has shifted its focus from protecting voting rights to investigating voter fraud and promoting "honest elections"... aligning with former President Trump's claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election...

This redefined mission includes enforcing an executive order mandating proof of U.S. citizenship to vote and restricting mail-in ballot deadlines... measures that may undermine voter access and fairness.

2. Erosion of Democratic Norms

The concentration of wealth and power among a small elite has led to concerns about the U.S. functioning as an oligarchy...

This concentration undermines democratic institutions and erodes public trust in the electoral process... raising questions about the fairness of future elections.

3. Foreign Interference

Nations like China... Russia... and Iran have been identified as interfering in U.S. elections through disinformation campaigns... cyberattacks... and propaganda...

These efforts aim to sow discord... undermine confidence in the electoral process... and influence voter behavior... posing significant threats to election integrity.

4. Legal Challenges to Election Results

There is a growing trend of baseless claims of voter fraud and legal challenges to election results... often without evidence...

These actions not only undermine public confidence in the electoral process but also set a dangerous precedent for future elections... where results may be contested without merit.

5. Threats to Election Workers

Election workers have faced increased threats... harassment... and abuse... partly due to rhetoric surrounding voter fraud.

This environment of intimidation can deter individuals from participating in the electoral process and compromise the integrity of elections.

6. Disinformation Campaigns

Coordinated disinformation campaigns...often involving AI-generated content... have been used to spread false narratives and manipulate public opinion...

These efforts can mislead voters... suppress turnout... and distort the democratic process... making it challenging to ensure free and fair elections.

7. Voter Suppression Tactics

Claims of noncitizen voting...despite being largely unfounded...have led to the implementation of restrictive voting laws...such as proof-of-citizenship requirements.

These measures can disenfranchise eligible voters...particularly among minority and low-income communities...undermining the principle of equal access to the ballot.

8. Donald Trump is the President of the United States

This one doesn’t need an explanation.

Perhaps the Most Important Realizations We’ll Ever Have:

In the face of mounting challenges, we must confront the uncomfortable truth: the 2026 election may not be free and fair. (In fact, I’m counting on it..and think you should, too.)

The system is rigged against us…with disinformation…voter suppression…and foreign interference playing a growing role in shaping outcomes.

The forces attempting to erode our democracy are more powerful than ever…and the safeguards we once trusted are being chipped away…piece by piece.

It is crucial to recognize that the integrity of our elections is at serious risk…as in, “there is no election integrity,” and we cannot continue to live in a state of denial about the threat that looms over us.

But even in the face of this harsh reality…we must take action.

The primary way to push back against the forces of manipulation and disenfranchisement is to vote; not just as a civic duty…but as an act of defiance.

We must vote in record numbers…showing up at the polls with unwavering resolve.

Our votes are not just a right…they are a weapon…our most powerful tool in fighting back against those who seek to control our futures.

Voting is the ultimate act of resistance; it is the last line of defense between us and the erosion of the freedoms we hold dear.

We must vote as if our lives depend on it…because…in many ways…they do.

If we fail to act, we allow the system to remain rigged against us. But if we show up..if we vote…we affirm that our democracy…though wounded…(and possibly even missing in action)…is still worth fighting for.

We have talking heads and politicians alike, blowing smoke up our asses. I’ll leave my thoughts on why they’re doing this…for another article or someone else to write.

Here, though…you’re only going to get reality-based discussions; often very blunt realities. If a situation looks bleak, I’m not going to bullshit you. I’m not that guy. I’ll be direct…even if I know it might temporarily make you nauseous.

We can’t Disney Land our way to victory. If the program on the channel of Democracy is a horror movie, then we have to deal with the horror movie, and it’s really as simple as that. Pretending things aren’t worse than they are is a child’s game.

When you are willing to acknowledge your reality, the possibility of changing it exists.

When you refuse to acknowledge it…your loss is assured.

I’m all for being victorious. You?

Best,

Jack