Prepare for Donald Trump to never concede an election outcome

Former President Donald Trump continues to cast doubt on the integrity of election results, a stance he has maintained for years. From questioning results when he wins to refusing to concede when he loses, Trump’s skepticism of election outcomes remains consistent.

In 2016, Trump laid the groundwork to reject the election results by claiming the system was “rigged” before Election Day. Even after winning the Electoral College, he refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the election, alleging voter fraud without evidence.

In 2020, Trump’s refusal to accept his loss led to his supporters storming the Capitol building on January 6, 2021. Despite trailing in polls against Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden in previous elections, Trump is currently ahead in some polling for the upcoming election. While he now expects the election to be “honest,” he is not ready to issue a blanket vote of confidence in the electoral system.

Trump’s attacks on election integrity have coincided with a decline in Republicans’ faith in US elections. In 2006, 92% of Republicans were confident in the accuracy of votes, but by 2022, only 40% held the same confidence.

As the next election approaches, Trump’s refusal to commit to accepting the results raises concerns about the potential for him to once again allege a conspiracy if he loses. The lack of faith in the electoral system among Republicans highlights a broader issue of declining trust in the democratic process.