Trump Says He'll Accept Midterm Results 'If They Are Honest Elections' Amid Declining Support

Former President Donald Trump has stated he will only accept the results of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections if he deems them "honest." This declaration comes as analysis suggests a weakening of his political standing in the week leading up to the vote. He made similar remarks in February, indicating he would trust the outcome if elections were honest, and has a history of casting doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections, including claims about the 2020 presidential race.

Recent polls reflect broad public skepticism regarding Trump's commitment to accepting potential Republican losses. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll from October 2026 found that approximately 7 in 10 Americans lack confidence that Trump would accept a defeat for the Republican party in the midterms. This sentiment extends across the political spectrum, with a significant percentage of Republicans also expressing doubts alongside majorities of independents and Democrats.

Despite the widespread doubt concerning Trump's acceptance of results, a majority of Americans surveyed expressed confidence in the fairness and accuracy of the midterm election process itself. Around 60% of respondents were confident the elections would be conducted fairly, and 65% believed votes would be counted accurately. However, this trust in the electoral system does not translate into confidence that the former President would concede if the outcome is not in his favor.