Former President Donald Trump has once again targeted the U.S. electoral system, expressing his discontent over voter regulations during a recent tirade. This latest outburst occurred early Monday morning, where Trump, referencing Minnesota’s policy that does not require voter identification, claimed that “rigged elections are common in the U.S.”
In his post, Trump declared, “Rigged Elections are common in the U.S., with the Presidential Election of 2020 being the Granddaddy of them all. WE DEMAND VOTER I.D.” He shared a link to an article suggesting that Republicans are investigating alleged attempts to influence elections by introducing noncitizens into critical electoral districts, a claim that resonates with long-standing conspiracy theories prevalent in MAGA circles.
The article referenced by Trump insinuates that Democrats strategically exploit regulations surrounding apportionment, which do not differentiate between citizens and noncitizens in determining congressional district populations. Supporters of this theory allege that illegal immigrants then vote, taking advantage of lax voter ID requirements. Critics, however, have pointed out the lack of evidence supporting these claims, as well as the peculiar notion that illegal voters consistently vote in opposition to Republicans without facing repercussions.
This rhetoric aligns closely with the repetitive allegations made by Trump regarding a stolen 2020 election, claims that have been widely discredited and which contributed to the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
Trump’s recent comments come against a backdrop of racial tensions surrounding Minnesota’s Somali community and Democrats, particularly targeting Representative Ilhan Omar. Over the years, Trump has consistently lambasted Omar, previously labeling the state’s Somali population in derogatory terms while simultaneously pushing for an immigration crackdown despite most Somali residents being U.S. citizens.
In an inflammatory message, Trump suggested drastic actions against Omar, calling for her deportation and expressing disdain for Minnesota’s governance under Democratic officials. He has claimed that alleged fraud in Minnesota amounts to over $18 billion, labeling state officials, including Governor Tim Walz, as “crooked.”
Governor Walz, who has recently announced he will not seek re-election amid boiling tensions over the state’s alleged fraud complications, faces mounting scrutiny following a conservative content creator’s viral video that reignited past fraud investigations focusing on daycare programs.
While Trump continues to advocate for Ken immigration policies and criticize state administration, Minneapolis officials are cautioning that deportation measures have not been straightforward amid a community predominantly composed of citizens.
Trump’s ongoing concerns about election integrity come alongside his belief that he might face accusations of authoritarianism if he proposed canceling future elections. His rhetoric highlights an ongoing divisive political climate, as the discourse continues to polarize voters across the nation.