Former US President Donald Trump has alleged "shocking vulnerabilities" in American election security, claiming China interfered in the 2020 presidential race during a primetime White House address on Thursday. The speech, delivered three months before the November midterms, included unsubstantiated assertions that Beijing had acquired 220 million voter files and compromised data in 18 states.
Unverified Claims of Foreign Election Interference
Trump stated he had declassified intelligence files supporting his claims that China sought to influence the 2020 election in favour of Joe Biden. However, the US intelligence community has previously concluded, with "high confidence," that China did not interfere in that contest. The Chinese Embassy in Washington denied the allegations, stating Beijing "has never and will never interfere in the presidential elections."
During the address, Trump also accused US officials of failing to disclose alleged voter data breaches to Congress or government authorities. He did not provide evidence that the purportedly obtained information had been used to alter election outcomes. The president further claimed that voting machines were "extremely exposed" to interference by foreign adversaries, including Russia and Iran.
Democratic Response and Legislative Push
Democrats swiftly condemned the remarks, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer asserting that "in America, voters choose their leaders, not the other way around." Former Vice President Kamala Harris accused Trump of attempting to undermine confidence in the electoral system ahead of the midterms, urging voters to reject such narratives.
Trump used the speech to advocate for the stalled SAVE America Act, which proposes bans on most mail-in voting, proof of citizenship for voter registration, and photo ID requirements. The legislation has faced significant opposition in the Senate. Additionally, he cited a Michigan investigation into alleged voter registration fraud by a Democratic-affiliated group, though no evidence was presented of votes being altered or machines hacked.
