Trump pressured Michigan officials not to certify 2020 election, according to tape: report

According to the report, Trump told the two officials that they would look “terrible” if they certified state's election results.

By Charlotte Hazard

Published: December 23, 2023 4:51pm

A newly revealed tape suggests that former President Donald Trump pressured two Michigan officials not to certify the state's results of the 2020 election, according to a report from The Detroit News.

The phone call took place on Nov. 17, 2020 between Trump, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and two Wayne County election authorities, Monica Palmer and William Hartmann.

According to the report, Trump told the two officials that they would look “terrible” if they certified the state's election results.

"We've got to fight for our country," Trump reportedly said. "We can't let these people take our country away from us."

"If you can go home tonight, do not sign it. ... We will get you attorneys," McDaniel said during another point in the call. Trump added that they would "take care of that."

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said Trump's actions "were taken in furtherance of his duty as president of the United States to faithfully take care of the laws and ensure election integrity, including investigating the rigged and stolen 2020 presidential election," according to the outlet.

"President Trump and the American people have the constitutional right to free and fair elections," Cheung said.

In 2020, Trump lost Michigan to President Joe Biden by 154,188 votes.