Amid heightened concerns about his influence ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, experts caution that Donald Trump’s perceived power is overstated, likening him to “the guy screaming by the freeway exit.” This metaphor suggests that while Trump commands attention, his actual ability to manipulate the election process is limited.

In a detailed discussion, Justin Levitt, a constitutional law professor and former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, expressed skepticism about the former president’s ability to sway the upcoming elections. According to Levitt, predicting any drastic moves by Trump to “steal” the election is largely alarmist. His position is grounded in the belief that the systems governing elections are resilient and not under Trump’s control.

Levitt identifies multiple tactics that Trump might attempt, including purging voters from rolls, seizing ballot boxes, and utilizing law enforcement for intimidation. However, he argues that these maneuvers are unlikely to succeed. “None of them will work,” he asserts, emphasizing that Trump’s power is more illusion than reality.

Regarding voter purges, Levitt clarifies that while state officials can remove voters, federal authority, including that of the Department of Homeland Security, is limited. He suggests that attempts to scrutinize voter rolls for noncitizens have proven ineffective due to flawed data.

Levitt also addressed concerns about Trump seizing ballot boxes, insisting that such an action would require court orders, which would not be readily granted. “Anyone who shows up in a windbreaker to seize ballot boxes will need a piece of paper from a federal judge,” he explained, indicating that local election officials are unlikely to cooperate with such attempts.

While some Trump supporters entertain the notion of using military force to secure ballots, Levitt dismisses these ideas as impractical. He underscores that deploying the military domestically would be illegal and against the principles governing U.S. military engagement.

Levitt acknowledges the historical context that allows for voter intimidation and wrongful purging at local levels but believes that, generally, local election officials are committed to upholding the integrity of elections. “Ninety to ninety-two percent of Americans trust their local elections,” he noted, stressing the resilience of democracy at the grassroots level.

Trump’s strategy of using frivolous lawsuits to contest election outcomes is also under scrutiny. Levitt argues that while Trump may employ this tactic again, the courts have shown a propensity to reject baseless claims, effectively upholding electoral integrity. “Filing a lawsuit without provable facts is just a tweet with a filing fee,” he remarked, underscoring the futility of such efforts.

As for Trump’s potential influence over Congress should election results not favor him, Levitt is unconvinced of any Democratic takeover being derailed. He asserts that institutional rules and a lack of consensus among Republican lawmakers would prevent any attempts to disregard legitimate election results.

Levitt acknowledges the psychological implications of Trump’s personality and the possibility of retaliatory actions if he perceives a loss. He aligns with observations made by psychologists regarding Trump’s impulsive behavior, particularly in response to perceived threats to his status.

Despite these concerns, Levitt remains optimistic about the resilience of American democracy, urging citizens not to surrender to fear regarding Trump’s supposed invincibility. “The biggest risk is that we do it to ourselves,” he warns, suggesting that panic could lead to complacency among voters.

As the midterms draw closer, Levitt advocates for increased voter engagement, encouraging Americans to check their registration statuses and make their voices heard. “The best time for voters to check their registration is literally right now,” he advised, fostering a proactive approach in the face of potential misinformation and fear tactics.

In closing, Levitt’s remarks encapsulate a broader sentiment among experts: while Trump’s rhetoric may be loud and alarming, the mechanisms of American democracy remain robust and largely unaffected by his claims of control. “He’s just not in charge here,” Levitt asserted firmly, emphasizing the need for public confidence in electoral processes.

As the country gears up for the critical elections ahead, the message is clear: informed voters will be the backbone of American democracy, resisting attempts at manipulation and ensuring that their voices are duly counted.