In his latest interview on Fox News, former President Donald Trump tried to defend himself against criminal charges, but his words might have made his legal troubles even worse. Trump’s attempt at self-defense turned into a lesson on why interfering in elections is both illegal and dangerous.
During the interview, Trump boasted that his poll numbers improve every time he gets indicted. He said,
“Whoever heard you get indicted for interfering with a presidential election, where you have every right to do it, you get indicted, and your poll numbers go up.”
This statement is a perfect example of Trump’s knack for turning a serious issue into a spectacle.
Here’s why Trump’s statement is so problematic. Interfering in a presidential election is against the law. U.S. election laws are made to keep elections fair and honest. When someone tries to mess with the election process, it threatens the fairness of democracy. Trump’s comments suggest he thinks he can do whatever he wants and not face consequences, which is not true.
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Acyn’s tweet, “Trump: Who ever heard you get indicted for interfering with a presidential election where you have every right to do it,” captured the absurdity of Trump’s claim. The replies to this tweet further highlighted the issue. A To The Z Amber pointed out, “No one has the right to interfere in any election. This is exactly why he’s been indicted.” These responses underline a crucial point: there is no legal justification for interfering with elections.
Trump: Who ever heard you get indicted for interfering with a presidential election where you have every right to do it. pic.twitter.com/EneMFJg7kD
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 2, 2024
No one has the right to interfere in any election. This is exactly why he’s been indicted. 🤦🏻♀️
— ❤️🔥 A To The Z ❤️🔥 (@A_tothe_Z_Amber) September 2, 2024
Legal experts and critics also wasted no time pointing out the flaws in Trump’s defense. Joyce Alene, a former prosecutor, tweeted, “There’s no right to ‘interfere’ with a presidential election. This is the banality of evil right here—Trump asserting he can override the will of the voters to claim victory in an election he lost.” Elizabeth de la Vega added, “I love that Trump uses the word ‘interfere’ thereby making the case against himself.” It’s clear that Trump’s choice of words is giving his critics ample material for rebuttal.
There’s no right to “interfere” with a presidential election. This is the banality of evil right here—Trump asserting he can override the will of the voters to claim victory in an election he lost. And, he will do it again. We must vote against him in overwhelming numbers. https://t.co/S0ECtVdPOt
— Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) September 2, 2024
I love that Trump uses the word “interfere” thereby making the case against himself.
— Elizabeth de la Vega 🇺🇸🦅 (@Delavegalaw) September 2, 2024
Another notable reaction came from Ted Lieu, who tweeted, “Dear @realDonaldTrump: Are you seriously this stupid? You think President Biden has the right to interfere in the upcoming election? Do you want VP Harris to do what you tried to get former VP Mike Pence to do? Are you really this dumb? Also, interfering in elections is illegal.” Lieu’s tweet captures the frustration and disbelief many feel about Trump’s comments. It emphasizes that not only is election interference illegal, but it is also a serious threat to democratic norms.
Dear @realDonaldTrump: Are you seriously this stupid? You think President Biden has the right to interfere in the upcoming election? Do you want VP Harris to do what you tried to get former VP Mike Pence to do? Are you really this dumb?
Also, interfering in elections is illegal. https://t.co/9ceSd99K1t
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) September 2, 2024
Despite the serious nature of these legal battles, Trump’s approach to handling them has often been more about creating drama than addressing the actual issues. His recent remarks only serve to highlight his misunderstanding of the law and the seriousness of his situation. It’s as if Trump is in a continuous state of denial, treating the legal system as just another obstacle to overcome rather than a serious matter requiring legal and ethical consideration.
All in all, Trump’s attempt to defend himself has only succeeded in making his legal troubles more apparent. His comments about having the “right” to interfere with elections are not just legally flawed; they reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of democratic principles.
Featured image via screengrab
