In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: “Does anybody really believe that this ‘Election’ was honest. How could the Polls be so wrong???” He added: “Some early voting ‘dumps’ were so large that it was impossible to win, no matter how many people went to vote. It’s all about the machines, which are far more important than the voter!”

The president offered no evidence to support his assertions. Election officials across the country have repeatedly affirmed the integrity of the 2026 midterms, and no credible reports of widespread fraud have emerged.

The post marks a sharp reversal from Trump’s comments last week, when he acknowledged his party’s “shellacking” and said he would consider working with Democrats. The about-face is the latest example of the president’s mixed messaging following an election that saw significant Republican losses.

Trump’s claims echo his false allegations of a stolen 2020 election, which culminated in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Democracy advocates warn that such rhetoric erodes public confidence in elections and could incite further unrest.

“When leaders attack the integrity of our elections without proof, they undermine the very foundation of our democracy,” said one voting rights advocate, who requested anonymity to speak candidly. “This is a dangerous pattern that we cannot afford to ignore.”

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Local election officials in battleground states reported smooth operations and high turnout, with no major irregularities. In a joint statement, a bipartisan group of secretaries of state affirmed that “the 2026 midterms were conducted fairly and accurately.”

Trump’s post also questioned the accuracy of pre-election polls, which broadly predicted Republican losses. Polling experts note that while polls can vary, they are not evidence of fraud.

The president’s remarks come as Congress prepares to certify the election results in January. Some Democratic lawmakers are calling for renewed efforts to protect election workers and combat disinformation.

“We must stand up for the truth and for the workers who make our elections run,” said Rep. Alma Hernandez (D-Ariz.). “Baseless claims like these put them at risk.”

As the nation moves forward, the episode underscores the fragility of democratic norms and the ongoing challenge of combating misinformation from the highest levels of government.