As major elections loom in the United States, a prominent conservative commentator has raised alarm bells, suggesting that President Donald Trump may be orchestrating a coup under the guise of legal challenges and voter manipulation.

In a recent article for the conservative outlet The Bulwark, Joe Petricone argues that Trump is strategically preparing to undermine the midterm elections amid expectations of significant Democratic victories. “While it might feel as though this year’s midterm elections sneaked up on us,” Petricone said, “House Democrats have been gearing up for this moment for years.”

The political landscape is far from ordinary. Following the events of January 6, 2021, when supporters of Trump stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election result, congressional Democrats initiated measures to safeguard upcoming elections.

Trump’s administration is already taking steps to disrupt the electoral process, Petricone points out. In Alaska, the Justice Department has filed a lawsuit concerning potential confusion among voters caused by two candidates sharing the name Dan Sullivan—one of whom is the incumbent Republican senator.

The lawsuit argues that the certification of Alaska’s election results should be delayed if the incumbent is defeated by a margin equal to or less than votes for the other Sullivan. This scenario illustrates how Trump and his allies are capitalizing on legal mechanisms to sow discord, potentially complicating the certification process.

Petricone emphasizes the need for vigilance among anti-Trump voters, warning against complacency despite favorable polling for Democrats. “A blue wave is not a sure thing,” he cautioned, noting that the perceived inevitability of major Democratic wins may provoke desperate countermeasures from Trump and his supporters.

The specter of a coup has not merely been dismissed as political hyperbole; experts are voicing serious concerns. Dr. Steven Levitsky, a government professor at Harvard University, underscores the genuine risk posed by Trump’s inclination toward authoritarian tactics.

Levitsky has been vocal in highlighting Trump’s disregard for democratic norms and processes. “I have no doubt that Trump is willing to order some sort of a coup against democracy to try to overturn the elections,” he told AlterNet. “He has shown over and over again that he is not a democrat.”

His assertions are supported by troubling signs of potential unrest. Levitsky warns that the institutions designed to uphold democratic processes might not be equipped to handle an unprecedented seizure of power should Trump decide to act irrationally or aggressively.

Yet, while acknowledging the dangers, Levitsky also expresses a cautious optimism. Historical patterns indicate that successful authoritarian seizures often stem from strong public support—something Trump notably lacks.

“Looking at Trump’s declining political power, I don’t think he has the capacity to get away with it,” Levitsky noted, referencing the reduced percentage of his support. “Fraud is hard. Repression is hard. Destroying constitutional rule is hard.”

The discussion of potential voter disenfranchisement raises additional alarms. Pooja Chaudhuri, a senior counsel at the Democracy Defenders Fund, explains the real risk of voters being purged from rolls in a quiet manner, learning too late to rectify the situation.

Voters could arrive at polling places only to be told they are not registered, rendering them unable to cast their votes. Such tactics could undermine the very foundation of American democracy.

Despite apprehensions regarding the potential for voter suppression, experts like Dr. Justin Levitt argue that most local officials are trustworthy and committed to facilitating access to voting. A high level of public confidence in local election officials persists, reflecting a shared trust across party lines.

As Trump’s challenges to election integrity become increasingly pronounced, observers are left to wonder just how far he might go. Political analysts agree that proactive measures must be taken to counteract his historical behaviors.

The midterm elections represent a critical moment for the country, with stakes higher than ever. The actions taken by Trump and his allies could have profound implications for the electoral process and, consequently, for American democracy itself.

As the electoral landscape shifts, the eyes of the nation are watching. What unfolds in the coming days could define the direction of American governance for years to come, and the potential for conflict looms larger than ever.