avatarJeff Hanlon

Summary

Former President Donald Trump threatened to withhold funding from Nevada and Michigan over their plans to send out mail-in ballots, which he claimed would lead to voter fraud.

Abstract

On May 20, 2020, Donald Trump took to Twitter to express his disapproval of Nevada and Michigan's decisions to distribute mail-in ballots for the upcoming elections. Trump argued that Nevada's actions were illegal and would result in voter fraud, suggesting he could hold up federal funding to the state if they proceeded. He similarly criticized Michigan for sending absentee ballots to 7.7 million people, labeling the move as illegal and unauthorized, and also threatened to withhold funding. The tweets indicate Trump's intention to challenge any election results he perceives as unfavorable by claiming they were rigged. The context also includes a response from an unnamed individual mocking Trump's strategy and a linked article speculating on the future of Trump's political career, hinting at more unconventional behavior to come.

Opinions

  • Trump believes that Nevada and Michigan's actions on mail-in ballots are illegal and will lead to voter fraud.
  • Trump is prepared to use federal funding as leverage against states that he believes are not complying with election laws.
  • There is skepticism and mockery directed at Trump's claims and strategy, with the opinion that he is setting the stage to dispute the legitimacy of the election results.
  • The linked article suggests that Trump's behavior will continue to be unconventional and potentially escalate in the future.
Artwork by EdArtGeek, DeviantArt

Notable Quotable: Trump Threatens States

For taking perfectly legal actions

@realDonaldTrump

State of Nevada “thinks” that they can send out illegal vote by mail ballots, creating a great Voter Fraud scenario for the State and the U.S. They can’t! If they do, “I think” I can hold up funds to the State. Sorry, but you must not cheat in elections.

8:11 AM · May 20, 2020·Twitter for iPhone

@realDonaldTrump

Breaking: Michigan sends absentee ballots to 7.7 million people ahead of Primaries and the General Election. This was done illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State. I will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path!..

6:51 AM · May 20, 2020·Twitter for iPhone

Wow. Just wow. Trump is getting his ducks in a row so he can claim his landslide defeat was RIGGED!! and UNFAIR!!

Yeah, good luck with that Donald.

Trump
Elections
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