A stark warning comes from Tennessee Democrat Rep. Steve Cohen, who cautions that if Donald Trump loses the upcoming presidential election, his reaction could spur unrest among his supporters. Cohen shared his concerns during an interview with NewsNation’s Dan Abrams, predicting Trump may go so far as to encourage supporters to “fight like hell” if he loses, an echo of rhetoric used leading up to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
Election Predictions and Security Concerns
Expressing confidence in the Democratic ticket, Cohen suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris could lead by a margin of 5 to 6 million votes, both in the popular vote and Electoral College. However, he fears Trump would likely challenge the results, stating, “I think Trump won’t stop at anything. It will be in the courts, it will be in litigation. And he will be telling people again to, ‘Go to the Capitol if you want to have a country and fight like hell.’”
These words come amid heightened security concerns. Capitol police are preparing to increase security for the January certification of Electoral College votes, but Cohen advocates for even earlier protections, including reinforced barriers around the Capitol to preempt any potential threats. “There could be behavior that’s untoward and violent anytime if Trump doesn’t win,” he warned, suggesting Trump’s resistance to a loss could result in widespread chaos.
Historical Context: The Capitol Riot and Current Legal Battles
The warning reflects a real concern based on the events of January 6, 2021, when armed militias stormed the Capitol following Trump’s insistence that the 2020 election was “rigged.” The riot tragically led to five deaths, including a police officer, with four additional officers later taking their own lives. Trump, currently facing criminal charges related to efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to President Joe Biden, remains a polarizing figure, particularly as he continues to push election conspiracy theories.
Steve Bannon’s Influence and Trump’s Potential Strategy
In the same interview, Cohen noted that Steve Bannon, Trump’s former White House adviser, has resurfaced with the same rallying messages. Bannon, recently released from prison after refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation, is reportedly encouraging Trump to declare victory regardless of the actual outcome, a sentiment Cohen believes Trump may adopt if defeated.
Preparing for Possible Unrest
Given the stakes and rising tensions, Cohen and other lawmakers are pressing for robust security measures to protect the Capitol and ensure the peaceful transition of power. With Trump’s past actions and his ongoing legal entanglements, officials and citizens alike are preparing for what could be another fraught chapter in American political history.
