Former US spies warn Trump may interfere in midterms

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 07:02 · Archive

Former US intelligence chiefs fear President Trump may take unprecedented action to interfere in or reject the results of this week's midterm elections.

Former US intelligence chiefs and Trump administration insiders have warned that President Trump could take unprecedented action to interfere in the midterm elections or reject the results. Former CIA director John Brennan and former FBI director James Comey expressed concern that Trump's persistent criticisms of the electoral process may precede election meddling. Brennan said Trump is 'willing to go beyond limits' and warned that nothing is off limits.

The midterm elections, taking place this week, will determine all 435 House seats and 35 of 100 Senate seats. Forecast models give Democrats about a 95 per cent chance of winning a House majority, whilst the Senate race is closer. Trump's homeland security chief has suggested federal immigration agents could be deployed to polling booths. More than a dozen election officials from both parties have said they fear Trump is laying the groundwork to undermine the results, and according to a recent survey, seven in ten Americans doubt Trump will accept the results if his party loses.

Former CIA director Brennan, who held office when Trump took power in 2017, said the president is trying to sow doubt in the elections. He expressed concern about what Trump could do in the run-up to the election, on election day itself, and in the aftermath. Both Brennan and Comey previously sounded the alarm over Russian interference in the 2016 election that brought Trump to power.

How it is being reported

• Could Trump interfere in the US midterms – and what checks and balances could stop him?Presidential power has limits. But these midterms could test safeguards on the integrity of US elections like never before.The Conversation AU · 2 Nov, 06:10
• Ex US spy chiefs say Trump 'willing to go beyond limits' at midtermsThis week's midterm elections could weaken Donald Trump's grip on power. Former US intelligence chiefs fear he's "willing to go beyond limits" to keep it.ABC Victoria · 1 Nov, 18:34

In this story: Donald Trump · John Brennan · James Comey · United States

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