Detroit News: Allegations of Trump Pressuring Michigan Canvassers in 2020 Vote Certification
Explosive Call Revealed: Trump's Controversial Bid to Influence Michigan Canvassers, Urging Them to Reject Detroit's Election Results Exclusive Recording Unveils Startling Revelations
The Detroit News has obtained a recording of a call in which former President Donald Trump urged two Michigan county officials not to certify the election results from Detroit in 2020. The call, previously reported by CNN, was condemned by election experts and Michigan Democrats at the time, who said it was a startling attempt by a sitting president to pressure local officials to interfere with an election.
This marks the first time we are hearing the exact words spoken by Trump, as reported by the Detroit News. CNN has not obtained or verified the recording independently.
In addition, RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who was present during the call, advised officials not to sign the certification, stating, "Do not sign it. We will get you attorneys."
Trump then stated, "We will handle that." Following this, GOP officials from the Wayne County Board of Canvassars, Monica Palmer and William Hartmann, attempted to retract their votes to certify the results. However, their efforts were in vain as the Michigan state canvassing board ultimately certified the results, despite pressure from Trump and other Republicans.
McDaniel stated on Thursday, "As mentioned in my letter dated Nov. 21, 2020, I publicly emphasized that there was sufficient evidence to justify an audit."
CNN is currently seeking a comment from Monica Palmer regarding the recording.
The Detroit News reported that Trump accused Republicans of being "cheated" in the election and claimed that Detroit is corrupt. He questioned the validity of the election certification and made baseless claims about votes exceeding the number of voters. Trump urged officials to "fight for our country" and not allow others to take it away.
The Detroit News reported on the recording, prompting a statement from Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung, who stated that President Trump's actions were taken in accordance with his duty to uphold the laws and ensure election integrity, including investigating the alleged rigging and theft of the 2020 Presidential Election.
