Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during a press conference at Trump Tower in New York City, U.S., September 6, 2024. REUTERS/David Dee Delgado/File Photo

U.S. Election Officials and Kamala Harris Campaign Respond to Donald Trump’s Threats

Overview of Reactions to Trump’s Comments on Election Officials

Election administrators and the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris expressed concern on Monday over threats made by Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate. Trump suggested that he would jail “corrupt” election officials if he were to win the presidential election scheduled for November 5, 2024. These comments, made on social media, have been condemned by election officials and Harris’ campaign, who accuse Trump of inciting violence and intimidating election personnel.

Trump’s Social Media Post and Accusations

On Saturday, Trump made a post on his Truth Social account, threatening various individuals with prosecution for involvement in voter fraud, a phenomenon that studies have shown to be exceedingly rare in the United States. Trump’s post stated:
“We cannot let our Country further devolve into a Third World Nation, AND WE WON’T! Please beware that this legal exposure extends to Lawyers, Political Operatives, Donors, Illegal Voters, & Corrupt Election Officials. Those involved in unscrupulous behavior will be sought out, caught, and prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before in our Country.”

In this post, Trump reiterated his unproven claim that the 2020 election, in which he was defeated by Democratic President Joe Biden, was rigged due to voter fraud. This message mirrors the one he shared prior to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Responses from Election Officials

Adrian Fontes, Arizona’s Secretary of State and a Democrat, responded to Trump’s comments, calling them “tyrannical.” Fontes warned that Trump’s statements could be interpreted as an incitement to violence, potentially endangering election officials.
“Trump’s comments give the potential for bad actors to take them as a call to arms,” Fontes said. “We need to protect our election officials and poll workers. Security has unfortunately become a primary concern in election administration.”

Seth Bluestein, a Republican member of Philadelphia’s Board of Elections, also expressed concern over Trump’s statements. Bluestein noted that election officials are focused on performing their duties effectively but must now also account for threats of violence as part of their preparation for the upcoming election.

Trump’s Campaign Response

In a written statement, Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s national press secretary, defended the former president’s remarks, stating that Trump believes that anyone breaking the law, including those engaging in election fraud, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Leavitt emphasized that Trump is committed to ensuring free and fair elections, arguing that without them, “you can’t have a country.”

Democratic Campaign and Other Officials’ Responses

Amman Moussa, a spokesperson for Kamala Harris, characterized Trump’s remarks as “extreme and unhinged.” Moussa accused Trump of escalating dangerous rhetoric with threats of revenge against political adversaries.

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s Secretary of State and a Democrat, responded to Trump’s post by reiterating her commitment to ensuring fair and secure elections. She emphasized that no amount of threats or falsehoods would deter election officials from their responsibility to deliver accurate results.

Concerns Over Deterring Election Workers

Michella Huff, elections director in Surry County, North Carolina, voiced concern that Trump’s comments could dissuade individuals from volunteering as election workers. Huff, a former Republican who now identifies as an independent, noted that such rhetoric may discourage otherwise dedicated volunteers from participating in the electoral process.