President Donald Trump has long spread conspiracy theories about voting designed to explain away his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Now, with a second term underway, Trump has appointed individuals who promoted his falsehoods—and in some cases, helped him attempt to overturn the 2020 election—to positions of power within his administration.
Investigation and Seizure of Election Records
Those now in positions of authority range from the attorney general to lawyers filing lawsuits for the Justice Department. Kurt Olsen, a lawyer who previously sought to persuade the Justice Department to support the president’s false claims in 2020, is now leading a sweeping probe of the 2020 vote. The most dramatic action stemming from this effort was the seizure of ballots and 2020 election records from Fulton County, Georgia, in late January. Fulton County, a Democratic stronghold including Atlanta, has long been a focus of election conspiracy theories aligned with Trump.
Election officials across the country, particularly in states with Democratic leadership, are bracing for potential turmoil during this year’s elections, which will determine control of Congress.
Federal Government and Election Integrity
“The election denial movement is now embedded across our federal government, which makes it more powerful than ever,” said Joanna Lydgate, chief executive officer of States United Democracy Center, which tracks those who promote election conspiracy theories. “Trump and his allies are trying to use all of the powers of the federal government to undermine elections, with an eye to the upcoming midterms.”
Trump has remade the federal government as an extension of his personal will, with his attorney general, Pam Bondi—who previously assisted in efforts to overturn his 2020 loss—declaring that all Justice Department employees must carry out the president’s demands. Despite other challenges in his second term, including concerns about the economy and immigration, Trump continues to assert the false claim that he won the 2020 presidential election.
Some members of the administration, like Bondi, are longtime supporters who continued to aid Trump even as he sought to overturn the 2020 election. Others played smaller roles in supporting those false claims, while still others have promoted conspiracy theories that have persuaded millions of Republicans that the 2020 election was stolen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kurt Olsen’s current role?
Kurt Olsen, a lawyer who previously attempted to persuade the Justice Department to support false claims about the 2020 election, is now leading a sweeping probe of the 2020 vote.
What action was taken in Fulton County, Georgia?
In late January, ballots and 2020 election records were seized from Fulton County, Georgia, based on claims from the 2020 election that had been previously investigated.
What is the concern regarding the upcoming elections?
Election officials, especially in states controlled by Democrats, are bracing for more turmoil during this year’s elections, when control of Congress is at stake.
Given these developments, what level of confidence can voters have in the impartiality of election oversight moving forward?
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