Trump's Unpopularity Combined with Election Control Infrastructure Threatens Democratic Governance
Source: Ben Beckett. "Donald Trump Is Unpopular. That Only Matters in a Democracy.." March 27, 2026. jacobin.com
The Gist
The author argues that Trump is very unpopular but is building the tools to control elections directly through federal agencies and new laws. Since he believes he can only lose through fraud, his unpopularity won't matter if he can just override election results through legal and police power.
Conclusion
Despite Trump's deep unpopularity, he may circumvent democratic processes by taking direct control of elections through legal and paramilitary means, making his low approval ratings irrelevant
Premises
- Trump is deeply unpopular with approval ratings well below 40% and majority disapproval on key issues including economy and immigration
- Trump maintains the belief that he can only lose elections through fraud, despite winning in 2024
- Republicans are establishing legal tools like the SAVE Act to suppress voting and make it harder for opponents to vote
- Trump is seeking direct federal control over elections through positions like Heather Honey's role and potential 'national emergency' declarations
- ICE has demonstrated willingness to act as Trump's paramilitary force through occupations of cities like Minneapolis and Chicago
- Federal agencies are already seizing ballots and demanding voter files from states as practice runs for election control
- The combination of legal infrastructure, law enforcement tools, and authoritarian disposition gives Trump the means to override electoral outcomes
Assumptions
- Democratic legitimacy depends on popular support being reflected in electoral outcomes
- Trump's past behavior predicts future authoritarian actions
- ICE and other federal agencies will continue to follow Trump's directives even for domestic political purposes
- Legal and institutional safeguards are insufficient to prevent authoritarian overreach
- The Republican Party will continue supporting Trump's election control efforts despite his unpopularity