President Donald Trump has stated he will only accept the results of the 2026 midterm elections if they are 'honest', and suggested that if they are not, 'something else has to happen'. In an interview with NBC News, Trump declined to rule out seeking a third term, despite the constitutional prohibition.
Trump made the comments after being asked to clarify his recent call to 'nationalize' elections. He denied using the term, despite having used it in a podcast earlier this week. He claimed that certain cities, including Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, have 'very corrupt elections', but provided no evidence.
The president pivoted to discuss voter ID laws and the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote. He said Democratic opposition to the act indicates a desire to cheat. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later insisted Trump was merely endorsing the SAVE Act, not seeking to dismantle states' constitutional rights over elections.
When asked if he would trust results if Republicans lose Congress, Trump said, 'I will, if the elections are honest.' He also claimed, without evidence, that there was cheating in the 2024 election but that it was 'too big to rig'.
On a possible third term, Trump said, 'I only do this for one reason: Make America Great Again.' The U.S. Constitution prohibits a president from being elected more than twice.
