Bulwark Takes Trump Suggests CANCELING 2026 Elections
Jan 16, 2026
The hosts delve into Trump's unsettling suggestion to cancel the 2026 elections. They debate whether he's joking or testing limits, highlighting the danger of dismissing his rhetoric. Historical comparisons reveal attempts to subvert democracy, echoing authoritarian tendencies. The discussion also touches on how ironic statements have morphed into serious policy within his administration. Ultimately, they caution against normalizing such dangerous talk, emphasizing the real-world implications of enabling authoritarianism.
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Cancelling Elections Is More Than A Joke
- Donald Trump repeatedly floats canceling elections as provocation and testing boundaries.
- JVL warns these comments reflect a deeper hostility to democratic norms rather than harmless joking.
Provocations Test Political Limits
- Andrew Egger argues Trump uses outrageous statements to provoke and gauge reactions.
- Those provocations often align with actions Trump pursues behind the scenes.
Zelensky Meeting Example
- JVL recalls Trump suggesting Ukraine's wartime election rule might apply to the U.S. in future conflict.
- He uses that meeting with Zelensky to show Trump has previously mused about skipping elections.
