President Donald Trump is amplifying accusations of election rigging in California, reviving a claim he made Sunday during an NBC interview that ended with him removing his microphone and abruptly leaving.
On Monday, Trump posted a screenshot to Truth Social showing a message from Rep. Abe Hamadeh, who wrote that California is "incapable of running free and fair elections consistent with our constitution." Hamadeh's post referenced a projection from Decision Desk HQ showing Nithya Raman winning one of two spots in the Los Angeles mayor's race.
Trump's response was direct: "No way this could have happened. Rigged Election!"
The claim echoes comments Trump made during his Sunday interview with NBC's Kristen Welker. When discussing California's gubernatorial race, Trump claimed it was "rigged" and complained that election officials had not finished counting ballots four days after the election. Welker pushed back, noting that the counting timeline is standard procedure in California.
Pressed on what evidence supported his rigging allegation, Trump responded by attacking the interviewer rather than providing specifics. He called Welker "crooked" and later "stupid." When NBC continued questioning him, Trump removed his microphone mid-interview and announced: "Let's call it quits because I've had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time."
Trump also made claims about Iran's military, asserting it had been "virtually decapitated" as the conflict between the U.S. and Iran reaches its 100th day. He posted on social media urging both Iran and Israel to "stop shooting."
Trump's schedule includes a campaign rally in New Jersey later today, followed by an appearance at the New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. His attendance has triggered heightened security measures at the arena, including airport-style screening and a no-bag policy for attendees. The precautions come days after a stabbing at Penn Station, located directly beneath the arena, injured six people. The suspect is in custody.
Author James Rodriguez: "Trump's refusal to engage with basic facts about election procedures suggests he's more interested in stoking grievance than governing."
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