Historian Warns of Trump's Plan to Disrupt 2026 and 2028 Elections

Conservative historian Robert Kagan fears the U.S. is taking a "big step into dictatorship" under Trump's leadership.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In an interview with CNN's Christine Amanpour, conservative historian Robert Kagan warned that President Donald Trump is laying the groundwork to cancel free and fair elections, as polling shows his party headed for a wipeout. Kagan said he is worried the U.S. will not have free and fair elections in 2026 or 2028, and that Trump "has a plan to disrupt those elections" and "won't allow" Democrats to take control of Congress.

Why it matters

Kagan's comments highlight growing concerns about the state of American democracy, as Trump and his allies continue to undermine confidence in the electoral process and make unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud. If realized, Kagan's fears could represent a significant threat to the peaceful transfer of power and the core principles of representative government.

The details

Kagan told Amanpour that he believes the U.S. is "one deep foot into dictatorship," with Trump's party becoming "the party of dictatorship." He said he doesn't think any U.S. institution, including Congress, is "really prepared to stand up to Donald Trump." Kagan pointed to Trump's recent demands to federalize elections, which are constitutionally delegated to the states, and his party's efforts to pass new voting restrictions across the country.

  • Kagan made these comments in an interview with CNN's Christine Amanpour on February 13, 2026.

The players

Robert Kagan

A conservative historian who has expressed concerns about the state of American democracy under President Donald Trump's leadership.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who Kagan believes is laying the groundwork to cancel free and fair elections.

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What they’re saying

“I think we are one big step into dictatorship. It's not clear to me that any institution in the United States is really prepared to stand up to Donald Trump.”

— Robert Kagan, Conservative historian (CNN)

“I think Trump has a plan to disrupt those elections, and I don't think he's willing to allow Democrats to take control of one or both houses, as could happen in a free election.”

— Robert Kagan, Conservative historian (CNN)

The takeaway

Kagan's warnings underscore the fragility of American democracy and the urgent need for all institutions and citizens to vigilantly defend the integrity of the electoral process. As the 2026 and 2028 elections approach, it will be crucial for the public, the media, and government officials to remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine free and fair elections.