A leading Yale historian has warned that renewed conflict with Iran could create conditions for a domestic political crisis, arguing President Donald Trump may seek to use the threat of terrorism to justify extraordinary measures ahead of the US midterm elections. Timothy Snyder, a historian specialising in authoritarian regimes, made the remarks as fighting involving Iran intensified and political tensions over election security continued to grow in the United States. Extraordinary Warning Over Terror Threat Writing on social media and in a subsequent essay, Snyder argued Trump is pursuing the conflict in the hope that Iran carries out an attack on US soil. He went further, raising the possibility that, if no such attack occurred, the administration could allegedly seek to exploit or misrepresent events to advance its political objectives. Snyder did not present evidence that such actions were planned. Instead, he framed the comments as a warning about what he believes could become a temptation if the administration faced mounting political and military pressure. Election Fears Drive the Argument According to Snyder, the president's repeated focus on election integrity and calls for greater federal involvement in administering elections form part of a broader concern about the approaching congressional vote. He argued that a major security incident could be used as justification for expanding executive authority or challenging established democratic processes. Those claims reflect Snyder's interpretation of recent political developments rather than confirmed government policy. Concerns Over Domestic Security Snyder also expressed concern about changes to counterterrorism priorities, arguing that reduced emphasis on domestic extremism and changes in senior security leadership could leave the United States more vulnerable to future attacks. He suggested any terrorist incident—whether involving foreign actors or domestic extremists—could be politically exploited by authoritarian-minded leaders seeking to consolidate power during periods of national crisis. White House Faces Renewed Scrutiny The historian's comments come as the Trump administration faces growing criticism over both its handling of the conflict with Iran and its continued focus on election-related issues. Supporters of the administration reject accusations that it seeks to undermine democratic institutions, while critics argue recent rhetoric has heightened concerns about the balance between national security and constitutional safeguards. As geopolitical tensions rise abroad and political divisions deepen at home, Snyder's intervention highlights how debates over war, security and democracy are becoming increasingly intertwined in the run-up to the next US elections. Top historian explains why Trump might 'fake' an 'act of terror'
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