Alleged Pressure by Trump on Michigan Canvassers in 2020 Election Revealed in Audio Recordings
Former President Donald Trump reportedly exerted pressure on Michigan election officials not to certify the 2020 presidential election results, as revealed in recently surfaced audio recordings. This incident adds to the multiple allegations of election interference Trump faces.
The Detroit News obtained recordings indicating that Trump personally pressured Monica Palmer and William Hartmann, Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers, not to sign off on the 2020 presidential election results. In these recordings, Trump is heard urging them to fight for the country, claiming, “We can’t let these people take our country away from us.” He also warned that they would appear “terrible” if they proceeded with certifying the election.
Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the Republican National Committee, was also involved in the call. She reportedly advised the canvassers not to sign the certification and promised legal support, saying, “If you can go home tonight, do not sign it. … We will get you attorneys.”
This incident occurred after a meeting of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers on November 17, 2020. Although Palmer and Hartmann initially hesitated to sign the statement of votes for Wayne County, they eventually voted in favor of certification.
These revelations come as Trump faces several federal charges of election interference related to the 2020 presidential election. He has been indicted in Georgia over his efforts to overturn his loss in the statewide election, including a recorded phone call to Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, where he requested to “find 11,780 votes” — just over the margin of his defeat.
In response to the recordings, a spokesperson for the former president stated that all of Trump’s actions were in pursuit of his duty as President to ensure election integrity. In contrast, McDaniel expressed that there was ample evidence at the time that warranted an audit of the election results.
These developments highlight ongoing discussions about the integrity of the 2020 presidential election and the actions of key political figures in its aftermath.
