Ex-cable news anchors Jim Acosta and Joy Reid allege Trump will tamper with 2026 midterms, fueling election integrity debate.

Former TV Anchors Spark Controversy With Election Claims

In recent days, former liberal cable news hosts Jim Acosta and Joy Reid have ignited a new round of political debate by publicly speculating that President Donald Trump may interfere with the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Their statements, made on digital platforms after both were dropped from their previous networks, have added fresh fuel to ongoing arguments over election integrity and the future of American democracy.

Reid, who was abruptly let go by MSNBC earlier this year, voiced her suspicions in an interview with writer Wajahat Ali, claiming she does not believe Trump plans to leave office voluntarily. "I think he intends to stay in office like Putin till he dies," she said. Reid questioned whether next year’s midterms would be “free and fair,” and dismissed Republican-backed legislation as self-serving. She suggested that Republican lawmakers’ support for Trump’s legislative agenda indicated they were unconcerned about the risks of electoral defeat.

On his own online show, Acosta, the former CNN anchor, asked strategist James Carville if he thought Trump or his advisers could tamper with the midterms. Carville responded affirmatively, expressing concern about the possibility of election interference and warning, "I don’t put anything past him – nothing – to try to call the election off, to do anything he can." Acosta agreed, describing the situation as “scary.”

White House Responds, Debates Continue

The White House quickly responded, criticizing Acosta and Reid’s claims as baseless and highlighting President Trump’s record on election security. “President Trump has taken more action to restore the integrity of our elections on behalf of the American people than any president in modern history,” a spokesperson said, dismissing Democratic accusations and attributing their statements to pre-emptive excuses for potential midterm losses.

The controversy comes as debates over U.S. election integrity remain sharply polarized. Former hosts and political figures have increasingly used digital media to challenge established narratives, often fueling partisanship and public uncertainty. In recent election cycles, the sitting president’s party has lost control of the House in the midterms—Democrats won the chamber during Trump’s first term in 2018, while Republicans regained it in 2022.

The recent remarks by Acosta, Reid, and others, including former CNN host Don Lemon, reflect ongoing skepticism and mistrust in American electoral processes. As the 2026 midterms approach, both parties are likely to intensify their messaging, with issues of election security and political legitimacy continuing to play a central role in public discourse and campaign strategy.