7:53 am - February 13, 2025
President Trump’s Persistent False Claims About the 2020 and 2024 Elections
Introduction: A Pattern of Disinformation
President Donald Trump has consistently made false claims about not only the 2020 presidential election, which he lost, but also the 2024 election, which he won. These claims have become a hallmark of his public statements, often dismissing factual evidence and sowing doubt about the integrity of the electoral process. In recent remarks, Trump has continued to challenge the legitimacy of the 2024 election results, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This pattern of disinformation has raised concerns about the potential erosion of public trust in democratic institutions.
Trump’s Dismissal of Verified Election Facts
In a recent Fox News interview, Trump was reminded that Vice President Kamala Harris received 75 million votes in the 2024 presidential election. In response, Trump dismissed the figure, stating, “Well, if you believe the whole thing … the whole thing is ridiculous.” However, both Harris’ and Trump’s vote totals are verifiable facts, not theories subject to personal belief. Trump’s 2024 victory was confirmed by the Electoral College, Congress, and his subsequent inauguration on January 20. Despite these official validations, Trump continues to cast doubt on the election’s legitimacy, undermining the credibility of the democratic process.
False Claims About California’s Vote Counting
In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump claimed that “California just stopped counting their votes on the 2024 Presidential Election.” This assertion is patently false. While California does take longer than other states to finalize its vote counts due to various factors, including the sheer size of its population and the complexity of its electoral processes, the state’s results were officially certified by Secretary of State Shirley Weber on December 13. This certification occurred nearly two months ago, with individual counties finalizing their results on December 3. The Electoral College subsequently voted to confirm Trump’s victory on December 17, and Congress counted the electoral votes on January 6, further solidifying the election’s outcome.
The Scale of Misinformation and Its Implications
Trump’s false claims about California’s vote counting are part of a larger narrative he has promoted for years, particularly in Democratic-dominated states like California. He has repeatedly and baselessly alleged that elections in the state are “rigged” and that he only loses due to dishonest vote-counting practices. During the 2024 campaign, Trump falsely asserted that he would have won in California were it not for purported irregularities in the voting process. These claims, however, have been thoroughly debunked by election officials, fact-checkers, and legal experts. Despite the lack of evidence, Trump continues to propagate these falsehoods, contributing to widespread misinformation and public skepticism about the electoral process.
The White House’s Response and the Broader Context
When asked by CNN to clarify Trump’s claims about California’s vote counting, the White House did not provide a response. This lack of engagement with factual questions has become a familiar pattern in the Trump administration, which has often declined to address or correct the president’s misstatements. Trump’s persistent false claims about the 2024 election, including his rigged narrative about California, reflect a broader strategy to maintain a grievances-based political narrative. This approach has resonated with some of his supporters but has also deepened divisions within the country and raised questions about the role of truth in public discourse.
Conclusion: The Danger of Persistent Disinformation
President Trump’s continued dissemination of false claims about the 2020 and 2024 elections poses a significant challenge to the integrity of American democracy. By undermining trust in the electoral process, Trump’s rhetoric risks further polarizing the electorate and eroding confidence in the institutions that underpin the nation’s political system. While Trump’s claims have been repeatedly debunked, their persistence highlights the need for ongoing vigilance in combating disinformation and ensuring the accuracy of public discourse. The stakes are high, as the health of democracy depends on a well-informed citizenry and a commitment to factual truth.