Michigan GOP Leaders Who Met With Trump Won’t Block Certification Of Biden’s Win

Topline

Republican leaders in the Michigan legislature who met with President Trump at the White House on Friday announced they would “follow the law” when it comes to certifying Joe Biden’s win in their state, a blow to President Trump’s hopes of overturning the election results.

Key Facts

In a statement released after their meeting with Trump – which raised concerns they may go back on their initial pledges not to block certification – the lawmakers said they have “not been made aware” of information that would “change the outcome of the election in Michigan.”

Instead, the statement said, they will “follow the law and follow the normal process regarding Michigan’s electors, just as we have said throughout this election,” which means they will not heed Trump’s wish of overturning Biden’s 3-point victory.

After losing the vast majority of his lawsuits, succeeding only marginally in others and failing to produce evidence for his claims of widespread fraud, Trump has resorted to putting pressure on state officials to block certification.

In what appeared to be a shot at Trump, or at least at the suggestion they would assist Trump with his plan, the lawmakers said in their statement the certification process “should be a deliberate process free from threats and intimidation.”

“The candidates who win the most votes win elections and Michigan’s electoral votes,” the lawmakers stated clearly, concluding, “These are simple truths that should provide confidence in our elections.

Forbes has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.

Key Background

Michigan’s certification process has been mired in controversy since the two Republicans on Wayne County’s board of canvassers initially refused to certify the county’s results before making a deal with Democrats to certify. Afterwards, the lawmakers attempted to “rescind” their certification alleging they had been duped after Trump reportedly called them both. The Trump campaign dropped its lawsuit attempting to block certification in the state despite officials saying the board members could not rescind their votes.

Tangent

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican and staunch Trump supporter who had signaled some agreement with Trump’s unfounded fraud claims, announced plans to certify his state’s results on Friday despite public pressure from Trump, noting his “solemn responsibility to follow the law.” Kemp nonetheless noted Trump can still legally challenge the results, which the Trump campaign has said it will do.

Surprising Fact

Trump’s apparent failure to persuade the Michigan lawmakers has reportedly not deterred him in his efforts to influence certification processes of other states. Discussions are underway in the White House about inviting GOP legislators from Pennsylvania, CNN reported.

What To Watch For

The deadline for both Michigan and Pennsylvania to certify its results is Monday, meaning. Along with Georgia and the safely Democratic states the Trump campaign has not contested, that amounts to more than 270 electoral votes.

Further Reading

Report: Trump Invites Michigan Lawmakers To White House As He Attempts To Overturn Election Results (Forbes)

Trump Reportedly Called Local Michigan Officials Before They Tried To Rescind Election Certification (Forbes)

Senate Republicans Grow Increasingly Critical Of Trump’s Electoral Machinations (Forbes)

More Legal Losses For Trump: Georgia, Arizona Courts Block Efforts To Delay Certifying Election Results (Forbes)


Speak Your Mind

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Get in Touch

350FansLike
100FollowersFollow
281FollowersFollow
150FollowersFollow

Recommend for You

Oh hi there 👋
It’s nice to meet you.

Subscribe and receive our weekly newsletter packed with awesome articles that really matters to you!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

You might also like

NIH Panel Recommends Against Using Drug Combination Touted By...

TOPLINE A panel of medical experts from the National Institutes of Health on Tuesday...

How Under 30 Clothing Care Company Nori Reached Profitability...

Tired of funky old steamers and lack of space for an ironing board in...

How These Entrepreneurs Are Pivoting For The Better Good...

COVID-19 and its accompanying economic downturn posed a crisis of confidence for America’s economy...

Iran’s currency sees a new record low amid biting...

TEHRAN: Iran's currency dropped Thursday to its lowest value ever at 300,000 rial for...