General

They tried to overturn the 2020 US election. Now, they hold power in Trump’s Washington

In a concerning development for American democracy, individuals who actively sought to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election have now secured significant positions within the federal government. This shift raises alarms about the potential for these officials to influence election integrity and public trust as the 2026 elections approach. Prominent among them is Harmeet Dhillon, a lawyer who championed Donald Trump’s unfounded claims of a stolen election. She now leads the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department, a role that could allow her to shape legal interpretations and policies that impact voting rights and election administration. Similarly, Heather Honey, a known election denier, has been appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Election Integrity within the Department of Homeland Security. Her position raises questions about the integrity of future elections given her past rhetoric against the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Additionally, Kurt Olsen, an attorney who played a role in the “Stop the Steal” movement, has taken on the role of a special government employee tasked with investigating the 2020 election. This appointment not only highlights the normalization of election denialism within government ranks but also poses a risk to the impartiality of investigations into election integrity. The intertwining of these figures with federal roles suggests a concerted effort to reshape the narrative around election legitimacy and could lead to the implementation of policies that undermine voter confidence. As they wield their influence, the implications for future elections, particularly the upcoming 2026 midterms, could be profound, prompting concerns over the erosion of democratic norms and the potential for further polarization in the electoral process.

As these officials continue to occupy key roles, the potential for them to sow doubt and reshape the framework of election oversight looms large. Their actions and policies will be closely monitored by both political analysts and the public, as the interplay between governance and electoral integrity becomes increasingly critical in safeguarding democracy. This evolving landscape not only highlights the challenges faced in maintaining trust in the electoral process but also underscores the importance of vigilance among citizens and lawmakers alike to ensure that democratic principles are upheld in the face of growing skepticism and misinformation.