Fact Check: Is Trump planning to stage a terrorist attack before 2026 midterms?

WASHINGTON, DC: A social media post claiming that President Donald Trump will stage a terrorist attack before the 2026 midterm elections is circulating online. Some commenters alleged that previous assassination attempts against Trump were staged and questioned what could happen before the midterms.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the claim has raised questions online about whether there is any evidence that Trump plans to stage a terrorist attack. Let’s fact-check the claim.

Claim: Trump would stage a terrorist attack before 2026 US midterms

The rumor began after Norwegian Democrat Glenn Tunes (@glenn_tunes) posted that he believed Trump would stage a terrorist attack before the November 2026 US midterm elections.

The post sparked a wider discussion about Trump's actions, past assassination attempts, and the possibility of election-related events before the midterms.

Several users responded by repeating or expanding on the speculation. Some claimed that previous assassination attempts against Trump were staged, while others suggested that Trump could take extreme action before the election.

Another commenter discussed tensions between Trump and Iran, saying both sides were refusing to compromise.

The post and its replies quickly attracted significant attention online, with more than 7,500 likes and 100,000 views within a day.

One X commenter said, “I swear he staged the ‘assassination attempt.’ That whole thing is sus. I’m not a conspiracy theorist. But wow is it strange.”

Another commenter shared, “He’s capable of anything.”

One more user commented, “He’s due for something. He already had two staged assassination attempts, so what’s next?”

An X user said, “Most likely, Trump definitely is ignorant in strategy and politics, but the Iranian regime is helping him by being stubborn. Trump wants everything without giving anything, and vice versa for the Iranian regime.”

Fact Check: False; no credible evidence supports the claim

The claim is false. There is no credible evidence that Trump plans to stage a terrorist attack or any false-flag operation before the November 2026 U.S. midterm elections.

The claim comes from a speculative social media post and does not provide evidence to support the allegation. Similar claims have circulated online suggesting that Trump could create a crisis or other major event to disrupt or delay the midterm elections.

However, these remain speculation and are not supported by credible evidence. The claim may also be linked to a real terrorist plot that authorities uncovered in June. 

Federal authorities arrested people accused of planning an attack on the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.

According to the Justice Department, the alleged plot involved explosive-laden drones and snipers targeting people at the event. Eight people were later indicted in connection with the alleged attack plot. 

The available court records describe an alleged plot by outside individuals, not an operation organized or staged by the Trump administration. Political tensions have also increased as the midterm elections approach.

The Trump administration has faced disputes over election administration and federal involvement at polling places, while opponents have raised concerns about possible executive overreach.

These developments have fueled online speculation about extreme election scenarios. However, they do not provide evidence that Trump plans to stage a terrorist attack before the midterms.