Former President Donald Trump has claimed ownership of the claims of election fraud in the 2020 election that he believed caused his defeat. In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump stated, It was my decision to believe that fraud occurred in the election, although he also acknowledged that he had listened to some people who cast doubt on the results. This statement contradicts the advice given to him by ranking administration and campaign lawyers who informed him that he had lost the election and that there was no evidence of fraud. However, Trump chose to listen to attorneys outside of the executive branch who suggested that there could be complications with the election results. These attorneys, some of whom now face criminal indictments, helped Trump devise a plan to challenge the electoral vote count in Congress by appointing alternate electors.
Trump admitted that he did not listen to White House and campaign attorneys because he did not respect them as lawyers, referring to them as RINOs or Republicans in name only. Instead, he respected others who claimed that the election was rigged. When asked if he sought out attorneys who would tell him what he wanted to hear, Trump responded that he listens to himself and trusts his instincts.
The former president is currently facing legal challenges related to his attempts to overturn the election results. The Justice Department recently revealed its second indictment of Trump, charging him with four criminal counts related to his alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election, which culminated in the January 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol. Trump is also facing charges in Georgia for violating the state’s racketeering law. Several of his outside attorneys, including Rudy Giuliani, Ken Chesebro, and Sidney Powell, are facing similar charges in connection with alleged election interference in Georgia.
In addition to legal troubles, Trump is also facing scrutiny over his actions on January 6th. He disputed the testimony of a former White House aide who claimed that Trump had attempted to choke a Secret Service officer. Trump called the claim ridiculous and stated that he wanted to go to the Capitol peacefully and patriotically, but he was advised against it by the Secret Service.
These latest developments highlight Trump’s continued insistence on the existence of election fraud despite lacking evidence. The legal challenges he faces and the allegations against his outside attorneys further complicate his post-presidential life. As the investigations continue, it remains to be seen what consequences Trump will face for his involvement in the events surrounding the 2020 election.
