How Team Trump May Be Plotting a “Stop the Steal” 2026

Plus: An Exclusive First Look at Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Marilyn Monroe Short Film

View in browser | Update preferences SUBSCRIBE FOR FULL ACCESS You’ve seen Obsession and Backrooms; now it’s time for another contemporary American horror story. Today, James Robenalt lays out the specific methods opponents fear the Trump administration will use to tilt November’s midterm elections to Republican candidates—ensuring that the president’s party retains control of the House and Senate despite his historic unpopularity. Robenalt calls those issuing warnings a “chorus of Cassandras,” which should prick the ears of anyone who enjoyed Christopher Nolan’s take on The Odyssey: Though she doesn’t appear in the film, Cassandra was, of course, a Trojan prophetess cursed to tell the truth to a public that didn’t believe her until it was too late. What a light and happy start to your Monday! And speaking of light reading: In case you missed it, VF also just published a bracing account from five Jeffrey Epstein survivors. We also ran a Scene Selection video starring Will Ferrell—a bright spot we may need now more than ever. More tomorrow! HILLARY BUSIS, FEATURES EDITOR Why this ad? A Midterm Hijack Plan? Many See the Contours of a Federal Coup Attempt Taking Shape BY JAMES ROBENALT The “big lie” could be going even bigger. How Team Trump may be preparing to destabilize November’s vote—and keep Congress in Republican hands. READ MORE Get more as a Vanity Fair subscriber Exclusive offer: Subscribe to get one month of Vanity Fair free START YOUR FREE TRIAL Exclusives INTERVIEW “A Series of Escalating Boundary Violations”: Five Women Who Survived Jeffrey Epstein Speak BY ABBY ELLIN AND STACY SCHNEIDER Vanity Fair speaks to five Epstein survivors about how they met the predator, his horrifying grooming methods, and their ongoing fights for justice. READ MORE FILM Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Love Letter to Marilyn Monroe BY REBECCA FORD The Academy Award nominee wrote and directed the short film Flesh Impact, starring Dakota Johnson and Ellen Burstyn, which is timed to Monroe’s 100th birthday and will play at the Venice Film Festival. READ MORE Video Will Ferrell Laughs Through His Highlight Reel BY VANITY FAIR For the latest installment of VF’s Scene Selection, Will Ferrell rewatches some of the most memorable moments from his career. From Anchorman to Step Brothers, the legendary comedian shares off-screen stories and where they really filmed the Elf department store scenes. READ MORE Why this ad? In Case You Missed It Meghan Markle Returns to the Small Screen After a very long time away from broadcast television, the duchess appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia over the weekend. Emma Roberts Wanted to Look Like a Ghost for Her Wedding—and She Succeeded Roberts married fellow actor Cody John in an intimate ceremony wearing a silk chiffon gown designed by Monique Lhuillier. MORE FROM VANITY FAIR POLITICS BUSINESS HOLLYWOOD STYLE ROYALS CELEBRITY This e-mail was sent to you by VANITY FAIR. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, vanityfair@newsletter.vf.com, to your address book. View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe Copyright © Condé Nast 2026. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.