In a recent revelation, a new recording has emerged, showcasing former President Donald Trump’s efforts to exert pressure on Michigan election officials, urging them not to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. The Detroit News broke this story, shedding light on a pivotal moment in Michigan’s election history.
The recording captures Trump and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel engaging in a call with two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. This board holds the responsibility of certifying election results for Michigan’s most populous county, which includes Detroit. The call, reviewed by The Detroit News, reveals Trump’s strong plea to Monica Palmer and William Hartmann on November 17, 2020, stating, “We’ve got to fight for our country. We can’t let these people take our country away from us.”
This report offers fresh insights into the Trump campaign’s persistent efforts to contest the election results in this crucial swing state. It comes at a time when Trump faces two criminal cases, one at the state and the other at the federal level, both related to alleged election interference.
In the 2020 election, President Joe Biden triumphed over Trump by approximately 154,000 votes in Michigan. Numerous legal cases alleging election fraud were dismissed by the courts due to a lack of concrete evidence. Additionally, a state Senate committee led by Republican members investigated these claims of fraud and concluded that they were unsubstantiated.
The call by Trump and McDaniel to the two Republican canvassers occurred shortly after the panel had initially voted against certification, resulting in a deadlock within the four-member board. Trump reportedly warned them that it would appear “terrible” if they proceeded to sign the certification documents.
McDaniel added, “If you can go home tonight, do not sign it. … We will get you attorneys.” Following this conversation, Palmer and Hartmann refrained from signing the documents. The following day, they attempted to rescind their votes in favor of certification, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. Palmer had previously disclosed that Trump had called her that night to express gratitude and concern for her safety.
