November 24, 2025

“...AND SO IT BEGINS!”

That was Donald Trump’s message to the nation on Nov. 4, 2025, after it became clear that Democrats were sweeping the election. At the time, the post drew little attention. Those who did notice it assumed he was referring to Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York City.

However, I believe Trump was channeling a much darker message — one born of the humiliation of a staggering defeat, including in his hometown. More importantly, I am convinced he was ragefully declaring the kickoff of the 2026 elections.

His actions have reinforced my opinion. In the three weeks since the Nov. 4 elections, Trump has pardoned 77 allies who tried to overturn the 2020 election. He has asserted broad, unreviewable powers to deploy National Guard troops to U.S. cities. Republican lawyers with close ties to the White House have met to discuss plans to limit early and mail voting.

Meanwhile, several Republican-controlled states have pushed forward new gerrymanders for the 2026 congressional map, enacted new voter-suppression laws, and staffed key election offices with MAGA loyalists — all while the RNC and its allies continue to file new lawsuits in court.

If you want to understand how Republicans will approach 2026, look at...