As we look forward to 2026 as the year (hopefully) when Democrats take back control of the House, and maybe even the Senate, there are a few things we need to be mindful of, and that we don’t seem to be mindful of enough.
First, we need to prepare ourselves for the very real possibility that there won’t just be the standard level of voter intimidation next year, as in requiring ID, long lines, etc. The stuff we have unfortunately become accustomed to. What we may see next year is our own military, ICE, and random and assorted thugs masquerading as law enforcement showing up at the polls to wreak all sorts of havoc. Trump is already using this tactic against dark-skinned immigrants, and they don’t even pose a real threat. What do you think he is likely to do – or try to do – to those of us whose votes pose a threat to his presidency?
Second, even if we win those elections and somehow manage to steer clear of the Republicans’ planned minefield, Trump has already managed to greatly destabilize this country in less than a year. Newly elected House and Senate representatives don’t take office – and therefore can’t do a thing – until early January of 2027. What will be left to fix by then? How much of Trump’s damage is irreparable? How much can be fixed and how long will it take?
Arizona’s Adelita Grijalva was elected one month ago in a special election to fill the House seat formerly occupied by her late father, Raul Grijalva. One month later, House Speaker Mike Johnson still refuses to swear her in under orders of Trump because the Arizona Democrat has openly said she will happily provide the additional vote needed to force the release of the Epstein files. Since Trump now knows he is a key character in those files, he obviously cannot allow their release, even if that means preventing a rightfully elected congressional representative from being sworn in to take her seat and represent her constituents. This week, Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes sued Mike Johnson for his Trump protective stunt, so stay tuned for how that turns out. Trump’s minions tend to fear Trump far more than they fear the law, but we shall see.
Meanwhile, Trump is tearing down part of the White House (after he swore he wouldn’t) to build his dream ballroom at a cost of $250 million. He says taxpayers won’t be on the hook for the bill, just loyal donors, patriots, suckers, etc. But of course, there is what Trump says and then there is the truth. Aside from the $22 million donated by YouTube, there has yet to be a serious accounting provided. From PBS:
When will the ballroom be completed?
The White House has said the ballroom will be ready for use before Trump’s second term ends in January 2029, an ambitious timeline.
