Trump's strategy
In the final days leading up to Election Day, Donald Trump and his team have employed various strategies intended to influence public perception, including spreading claims about election fraud and voter interference. Trump has frequently alleged, without evidence, that the election system is susceptible to widespread fraud, repeating these assertions in key battleground states to cast doubt on mail-in voting and absentee ballots. This narrative has resonated among some of his supporters and is part of a broader pattern aimed at creating mistrust in the voting process, potentially laying the groundwork for post-election disputes.
Trump’s tactics have included accusations that Democratic officials are manipulating the voting process. He has continued to question the legitimacy of ballot drop boxes and has suggested that Democrats intend to “rig” the results, though no verified evidence supports these claims. His team has also circulated rumors that the Democratic Party is somehow behind voting malfunctions that disproportionately impact Republican voters, especially in swing states. This approach has drawn criticism from election security experts and legal analysts, who emphasize that such accusations undermine democratic norms and threaten to erode voter confidence.
Another facet of Trump’s approach is his appeal to social anxieties, which includes references to "radical" changes purportedly coming if his opponents win. His rhetoric often leans on fear tactics, and his campaign has not shied away from incendiary language that links voting outcomes to exaggerated or improbable scenarios, such as personal safety threats or extreme economic consequences. Trump’s repeated focus on alleged voter fraud, coupled with his emphasis on the narrative of a “stolen election,” has prompted concern among analysts, who argue that these claims could incite tension and confusion if the election results are close or contested.
Fact-checking organizations and news sources, including AP and Reuters, have debunked many of Trump’s claims, with investigations showing no significant evidence of organized fraud or voting system malfunctions. Reports by election officials further underscore the lack of substantiation behind many of these accusations. Nonetheless, Trump’s narrative has continued to influence public discussions and has been seen as a strategic move to mobilize his base while casting doubts on the overall process.
AP, Reuters, FactCheck.org, Brookings Institution, The New York Times.
