Defense officials quietly prepare states for possible Trump-led election fallout

A covert coalition of ten current and former Defense Department officials, representing both parties, has been consulting with leaders in at least ten states to devise plans for any scenario in which Donald Trump refuses to acknowledge the November 3 midterm results. The officials expressed uncertainty about how to act but emphasized the need for states to be ready for any contingency. The White House did not respond to requests for comment, though a spokesperson asserted that the administration is taking decisive steps to secure elections and prosecute election crimes.

The group’s worries stem from Trump’s repeated claims of widespread fraud and the memory of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, which resulted in five deaths and subsequent suicides among officers. Recent commentary from former judge J. Michael Luttig warned of a possible repeat of Jan. 6 on Jan. 3, 2027, if Republican leaders continue to prioritize Trump over the country. Election officials nationwide, represented by Tammy Patrick of the National Association of Election Officials, have also flagged the risk of interference.