Donald Trump’s failed attempt to subvert the 2020 presidential election included questioning the legitimacy of votes in U.S. Cities with large Black populations. This effort involved sharing a social media post depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, and targeting Georgia election workers Wandrea ‘Shaye’ Moss and Ruby Freeman with false accusations rooted in racist stereotypes. The NAACP filed a lawsuit against Trump, alleging violations of the Ku Klux Klan Act, and a jury initially awarded Moss and Freeman $148 million in a defamation lawsuit, later reduced to $146 million.
Why it Matters
Trump’s rhetoric and actions represented a dangerous escalation in attempts to undermine public trust in democratic processes, particularly for communities of color. The deliberate targeting of election workers with false accusations can have devastating consequences for those falsely accused and erodes faith in the integrity of elections.
The Details
Trump shared a now-deleted video on social media rehashing his election claims and depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. The NAACP argued that these actions, along with efforts to disenfranchise voters in cities like Detroit, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, “repeat the worst abuses in our nation’s history,” where Black Americans were historically denied a voice in American democracy. Rudy Giuliani’s campaign against Georgia election workers Wandrea ‘Shaye’ Moss and Ruby Freeman relied on racist stereotypes, falsely accusing them of illicit activity while counting ballots.
Wandrea ‘Shaye’ Moss testified before Congress that she received numerous threats, including references to lynching.
- Trump shared a now-deleted social media post depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.
- The NAACP filed a lawsuit against Trump for violating the Ku Klux Klan Act after the 2020 election.
What’s Next
The deliberate targeting of election workers with false and inflammatory accusations represents a dangerous escalation in attempts to undermine public trust in democratic processes and can have devastating consequences for those falsely accused. Similar tactics could be employed in future elections, potentially leading to further erosion of trust in democratic institutions.
The Takeaway
Trump’s rhetoric and actions during his attempt to overturn the 2020 election results highlight the ongoing threat of voter suppression and the need for vigilance in protecting the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What action did the NAACP take following the 2020 election?
The NAACP filed a lawsuit against Trump for violating the Ku Klux Klan Act.
Who were Wandrea ‘Shaye’ Moss and Ruby Freeman?
Wandrea ‘Shaye’ Moss and Ruby Freeman were Georgia election workers who were targeted by false and inflammatory accusations following the 2020 election.
What was the outcome of the defamation lawsuit filed by Moss and Freeman?
A jury initially awarded Moss and Freeman $148 million in a defamation lawsuit, which was later reduced to $146 million.
How can communities and institutions work together to safeguard the integrity of elections and protect the rights of all voters?
