Trump test running INTIMIDATION TACTICS for 2026: elections expert

Election Monitoring & DOJ Deployment - The Justice Department plans to deploy election monitors to polling sites in California and New Jersey [1] - This deployment is unusual because it's happening during an off-year election when there are no candidates running for federal office [2] - In the past 20 years, the DOJ has only sent election monitors in off-year elections twice, in 2007 and 2013 [2] - Five of the six jurisdictions receiving federal poll watchers are in California, and one is in New Jersey [3] - Kern County, Riverside County, Fresno County (California), and Pic County (New Jersey) swung for Trump in the last presidential election [3] Potential Motives & Concerns - Some experts believe this is a test run for 2026, when there will be competitive congressional races [4] - Concerns exist that the monitors might be used for voter intimidation or to deter voters from showing up [8] - The DOJ might justify the New Jersey monitoring based on a 2020 investigation involving Patterson City Council members [9] - It's hard to see the connection between the DOJ's stated protection goals and the problems that occurred five years ago in Patterson, New Jersey [12] Political Commentary - Steve Bannon's comments about Trump running in 2028 are seen as an attempt to scare people [15] - Focus should be on the security and fairness of elections in 2026 rather than a potential Trump third term in 2028 [16]