Why is Donald Trump Claiming the 2024 Election is Already Rigged?

The recent allegations made by former President Donald Trump that the 2024 election is already rigged, despite the fact that it has not even started, are nothing new. This claim is as misleading and unfounded as his previous false narratives about the 2020 election. The crux of his argument can be dissected in several ways:

Belief or Deliberate Misinformation?

Trump is basing his claim on his past success at persuading the public that the 2020 election was stolen. His strategy is to repeat a lie that has proven effective before, perpetuating a narrative that resonates with his supporters. However, the question remains: Is he truly convinced, or is this a deliberate attempt to stir up chaos and violence?

The Intent Behind His Assertions

Taking his past actions and rhetoric into account, it is plausible that Trump is banking on a similar outcome - a strong reaction, perhaps even a “bloodbath” or another insurrection, to try and “fight like hell.” By causing a stir and riling up his base, he might aim to benefit his supporters or himself in some unforeseen way.

Playing to His Base

One of the main reasons for Trump’s persistence in making these claims is to provoke his followers. He is well aware that these rhetoric flourishes can instigate violent behavior, much like his infamous rally in 2021 where insurrection led to the storming of the U.S. Capitol. His hope is that by sowing chaos, he will maintain or even regain power and influence during a period where he is losing in the polls.

Historical Precedents

Trump has a track record of questioning the integrity of the voting process. In both the 2016 and 2020 elections, he criticized measures such as restricting mail-in voting. Now, he is setting up another false narrative, stating that if he loses in 2024, this too will be evidence of election rigging. This tactic is part of his broader strategy to keep the possibility of fraud alive in the minds of his supporters, no matter the evidence to the contrary.

Claims of Voter Fraud

Trump and his supporters have pointed to several instances of alleged voter fraud, often citing specific vignettes intended to create doubt about the integrity of the electoral process. For example, there have been claims of:

A person in one state using a phone to demonstrate difficulty in selecting Trump on multiple tries, only to be given Kamala Harris as an alternative. In another state, Trump being not listed on the first page, forcing potential voters to scroll to the bottom and tap "more" to find his name among other candidates.

Such narratives are not uncommon in political discourse, but they must be approached with critical thinking and fact-checking. These allegations often lack credible evidence and are primarily meant to sow distrust and confusion about the electoral process.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s claims of 2024 election rigging are rooted in a history of persistent misinformation and baseless accusations. Whether these claims are driven by belief or manipulation, they serve to undermine public trust and create a divide. It is important to remain vigilant and critically analyze these claims, ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.