In a recent development related to the interference in the 2020 election, new information has come to light regarding the frantic attempts by members of Donald Trump's campaign to overturn his election defeat before January 6th. Email exchanges and an audio recording have revealed the extent to which Trump campaign officials, operatives, and even some Republican members of Congress collaborated to prevent Joe Biden from assuming office by using fake elector ballots.
The emails and audio recording showcased the intense scramble that took place on the eve of January 6th, as it was discovered that two fake elector certificates from Michigan and Wisconsin were stuck in the mail. Ken Chesbrough, described as the architect of the fake electors plot, disclosed to investigators the panic that ensued when it was realized that the certificates might not reach Washington, D.C. in time. The general counsel of the Trump campaign, Matthew Morgan, expressed alarm and even considered chartering a private jet to transport the documents. Ultimately, they resorted to commercial flights, but they enlisted the help of a U.S. senator to expedite the process. However, despite their efforts, the fake elector certificates were ultimately not accepted by Vice President Mike Pence, who certified Joe Biden's victory.
These revelations have shed light on the messy and overlapping connections between Trump campaign officials and lawyers involved in the plot. Furthermore, it appears that some Trump attorneys may not have been entirely truthful in their testimony to the House committee investigating the events of January 6th. In particular, Matthew Morgan, the former general counsel for the Trump campaign, provided conflicting statements about his involvement in the fake electors scheme. While Morgan distanced himself from the plot in his testimony, emails submitted to prosecutors in Michigan indicate his active engagement with the discussions.
These findings highlight the ongoing investigation by the Justice Department, which is determined to pursue justice and accountability for those involved in undermining and overturning the will of the people. Alongside legal accountability, there is an emphasis on political accountability, urging voters to hold lawmakers responsible at the ballot box for their participation in such actions.
In Michigan, where the Attorney General has already charged 16 individuals with being fake electors, cooperation has proven more beneficial for those involved. One individual had their charges dropped after cooperating with the investigation, emphasizing the importance of assisting in uncovering the full extent of the scheme.
Looking ahead, efforts to challenge election results continue, as seen in Maine where an attempt was made to remove Donald Trump from the primary ballot. While a similar challenge failed in another state, election administrators and voters are seeking clarity from the U.S. Supreme Court on the legal definitions of insurrection and aiding and embedding in this context. It is hoped that the Supreme Court will provide necessary clarity to ensure a fair and empowered electoral process for the upcoming 2024 election cycle.
