Former President Donald Trump appears to be gearing up for a potential defeat in the 2024 elections by raising concerns about the integrity of voting systems, according to Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former aide to Trump.
As early voting begins in several states just six weeks before Election Day, Trump’s rhetoric around election fraud has intensified. While some of his allies, including the Republican National Committee (RNC), encourage supporters to explore various voting methods, this sends mixed signals about the election process.
On CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins, Griffin remarked that Trump’s current statements echo the unfounded claims he made in 2020 about widespread fraud, especially regarding early and mail-in voting. “He just can’t seem to grasp that early voting can be safe and effective,” she explained, highlighting Trump’s outdated perspective on the voting process.
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At a recent rally, Trump dismissed early voting as “stupid stuff” but urged his supporters to vote, expressing frustration over past electoral outcomes. He stated, “What happened last time was disgraceful, but we’re not going to let it happen again.” This sentiment reflects an ongoing narrative about voter manipulation.
Trump has also criticized the U.S. Postal Service, suggesting that it “may purposely” lose mail-in ballots. The American Postal Workers Union quickly pushed back against these claims, labeling them as “lies” and harmful to voter access.
In contrast, RNC co-chair Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, is advocating for a more inclusive voting approach, stating, “Every voter should feel confident that their ballot counts, regardless of how they vote.”
Trump’s comments have sparked controversy, especially his remarks at the Israeli American Council summit, where he suggested that Jewish voters could influence his chances in the election. This led to backlash from various political figures, including Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin, who called on Republicans to denounce such rhetoric.
Griffin mentioned on CNN that Trump’s distrust of early voting is twofold: he genuinely questions its safety and seeks a scapegoat should he lose. In 2020, 69% of voters opted for mail-in or early voting, showcasing a shift in voter behavior that is re-emerging as states like Minnesota and Virginia start providing in-person early voting options.