Imagine a scenario where the very foundation of democracy is at risk. Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego has sparked a significant conversation by proposing that if Donald Trump attempts to undermine the integrity of the upcoming midterm elections, Americans should respond with a nationwide strike that would effectively bring the nation to a standstill.
Recently, Trump made headlines by urging Republicans to take control of voting processes in at least fifteen unidentified locations, reiterating his baseless claims about widespread electoral fraud. This statement has raised alarms, prompting Gallego, an Arizona senator and veteran of the Iraq War, to caution that Trump might try to disrupt the November midterms, which hold the key to Congressional power. In a discussion on the Court of History podcast with political historians Sidney Blumenthal and Sean Wilentz, Gallego emphasized the need for citizens to prepare for extreme scenarios where election interference could occur.
He stated, "We have to brace ourselves for the worst-case scenario, which involves attempts to seize ballot boxes during the counting process, halting the count, or surrounding polling places. This is why we must ensure we have a decisive response: a true national strike. If they attempt to overthrow our democratic system, anyone who supports democracy should refrain from going to work. Whether you're a pilot, a train operator, or a teacher, your absence will help us grind the country to a halt."
Gallego, who triumphed over Trump supporter Kari Lake in the 2024 elections, has become known for his straightforward communication style, often incorporating strong language to challenge Republican narratives. He continued, "We cannot keep supporting the world's largest economy while sacrificing our democratic principles. If it comes down to jeopardizing the stock market to preserve democracy, we must be ready to accept that reality. The wealthiest individuals and most influential entities must recognize that this situation is a tangible possibility. Economic stability is intrinsically linked to democratic stability; if you erode our democratic framework, we will retaliate economically."
Trump's recent push for increased federal oversight over elections coincides with heightened pressure on numerous Democratic-led states to provide voter data, with the Justice Department suing close to twenty states over their voter registration practices. Additionally, last week, the FBI conducted a search at an election office in Georgia's Fulton County, seeking documents related to the contentious 2020 election.
In a podcast interview with former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, Trump suggested the idea of nationalizing elections, stating, "The state acts as an agent for the federal government in elections. I fail to see why the federal government doesn’t directly manage them."
This sentiment was echoed by Steve Bannon, a former advisor to Trump and a prominent right-wing commentator, who perpetuated unfounded claims regarding illegal voters in the U.S. He declared on his War Room podcast, "You bet we’re going to have ICE agents surrounding polling places come November."
It's important to note that federal laws prevent the president from deploying military troops to polling sites, and many states have laws against carrying firearms near these locations. The presence of immigration enforcement could deter both American citizens and lawful residents from participating in the electoral process due to fear of detention or racial profiling.
When asked about Bannon’s remarks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded that while she cannot guarantee there won’t be ICE agents near polling sites in November, she has not heard of any formal plans from the president regarding this issue.
Democrats, often criticized for their insufficient response to Trump's threats to democratic norms, have condemned his latest statements. However, none have gone as far as Gallego, who is being considered a potential presidential candidate for the 2028 election.
In his conversation on the podcast, he asserted, "We must demonstrate that such actions are unacceptable. We cannot allow the situation to deteriorate to the point where we would intervene in other nations for similar autocratic behaviors. The American public will not tolerate it. They are already uneasy with ICE agents operating in our communities without warrants. Now, just imagine the backlash if ICE agents attempt to infiltrate polling stations to obstruct the counting process. The public's response will be incredibly intense."
