Trump vows lengthy prison terms for election ‘cheaters’ if he wins

MOSINEE, Wis. — As the date approaches for his highly anticipated debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform to issue a stern warning about those he claims may engage in wrongdoing during the upcoming election process. He emphasized that anyone involved in “unscrupulous behavior” would face serious consequences should he reclaim the presidency.

Late Saturday, Trump declared, “WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law, which will include long-term prison sentences so that this Depravity of Justice does not happen again.” His statement reflects a persistent narrative questioning the integrity of elections, despite a lack of evidence to support claims of widespread fraud.

He further cautioned that legal ramifications would extend beyond just voters, highlighting that “lawyers, political operatives, donors, illegal voters, & corrupt election officials” could also be pursued legally. Trump warned that those participating in dishonest actions would be “sought out, caught, and prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before in our Country.”

This message continues Trump’s theme of using a potential presidential victory as an avenue for retribution against his perceived adversaries. His assertions disregard findings from numerous courts and officials—both Republican and Democratic—who have concluded that he lost the 2020 election fairly.

Interestingly, Trump recently acknowledged in a podcast his narrow defeat, expressing that he had “lost by a whisker.” This admission contrasts sharply with his current claims about election misconduct.

Despite guidance from campaign aides to concentrate on discussing issues like inflation and border security, Trump has shifted his focus considerably in recent days. Just earlier in the week, he made contentious remarks on a variety of past allegations of sexual misconduct, detailing some incidents even while denying the accusations made against him. His legal battles have prominently reentered the spotlight, coinciding with the final phases of the election campaign.

During a rally at Central Wisconsin Airport, Trump expressed grievances connected to his indictments and alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. “The Harris-Biden DOJ is trying to throw me in jail — they want me in jail — for the crime of exposing their corruption,” he claimed. Due to heightened security measures following a recent assassination attempt, he spoke behind a bulletproof glass shield.

There is no credible evidence suggesting that President Biden or Harris exerted influence on the Justice Department’s or state prosecutors’ decisions regarding Trump’s indictments.

Unlike Harris, who has been preparing for the debate from a hotel in Pittsburgh, Trump has opted against conventional debate preparations, preferring to conduct series of rallies in the lead-up to the event. Harris has consented to participate in a singular debate, which will be broadcast by ABC.

At the Mosinee rally, Trump reiterated his aim to “Drain the swamp,” echoing a key message from his 2016 campaign as he presents himself as an outsider. He vowed to “cast out the corrupt political class” and “cut the fat out of our government for the first time, meaningfully, in 60 years” should he secure another term.

As part of this objective, he revealed plans to establish a new “Government Efficiency Commission,” which he stated would be led by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The commission is tasked with performing a comprehensive financial and performance audit of the federal government to eliminate waste.

Trump also criticized the Congressional committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, asserting he would “rapidly review the cases of every political prisoner unjustly victimized by the Harris regime” and sign their pardons if he returns to office.

He has continually supported individuals incarcerated for various offenses, including violent incidents against law enforcement. Additionally, he promised to “completely overhaul” what he termed “Kamala’s corrupt Department of Injustice.”

Trump argued that the department, under his leadership, would shift its focus away from targeting Republicans and instead prioritize dismantling violent cartels, transnational gangs, and radical Islamic terrorists.

In response to Trump’s remarks, a spokesperson for Harris, Sarafina Chitika, cautioned that a Trump victory could lead to the misuse of presidential power to persecute his critics and excuse those who took part in the January 6 insurrection.

Source: Associated Press