Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election

Quick Facts: Who was Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election?

Subject:

Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election

Known for:

Efforts and actions taken to challenge the outcome of the 2020 US Presidential Election.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

After Democratic nominee Joe Biden won the 2020 United States presidential election, Republican nominee and then-incumbent president Donald Trump pursued an unprecedented effort to overturn the election, with support from his campaign, proxies, political allies, and many of his supporters. These efforts culminated in the January 6 Capitol attack, described by multiple sources as a self-coup d'état attempt. Trump and his allies used the "big lie" propaganda technique to promote false claims and conspiracy theories asserting that the election was stolen by means of rigged voting machines, electoral fraud and an international conspiracy. Trump pressed Department of Justice leaders to challenge the results and publicly state the election was corrupt. The attorney general, director of national intelligence, director of the cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency, state and federal judges, election officials, and state governors dismissed these claims at the time.

Career & Major Achievements

Trump loyalists attempted to keep him in power; at the state level, they targeted legislatures with the intent of changing the results or delaying electoral vote certification at the Capitol; nationally, they promoted the idea Vice President Mike Pence could refuse to certify the results on January 6, 2021. Pence repeatedly stated the Vice President has no such authority and verified Biden and Harris as the winners. Hundreds of other elected Republicans refused to acknowledge Biden's victory, though a growing number acknowledged it over time. Trump's legal team sought to bring a case before the Supreme Court, but none of the 63 lawsuits they filed were successful. They pinned their hopes on Texas v. Pennsylvania, but on December 11, 2020, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Afterward, Trump considered ways to remain in power, including military intervention, seizing voting machines, and another appeal to the Supreme Court. In June 2022, the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack said it had enough evidence to recommend that the Department of Justice indict Trump, and on December 19, the committee formally made the criminal referral to the Justice Department. On August 1, 2023, Trump was indicted by a D.C. grand jury for conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstructing an official proceeding, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights; he pleaded not guilty to all charges. The Office of the Special Counsel believed there was enough evidence to convict Trump. However, given existing policy against prosecuting sitting presidents, the charges were dismissed following Trump's November 2024 election.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2020: 2020 Milestone — After Democratic nominee Joe Biden won the 2020 United States presidential election, Republican nominee and then-incumbent president Donald Trump pursued an unprecedented effort to overturn the election, with support from his campaign, proxies, political allies, and many of his supporters.
2. 2021: 2021 Milestone — Trump loyalists attempted to keep him in power; at the state level, they targeted legislatures with the intent of changing the results or delaying electoral vote certification at the Capitol; nationally, they promoted the idea Vice President Mike Pence could refuse to certify the results on January 6, 2021.
3. 2022: 2022 Milestone — In June 2022, the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack said it had enough evidence to recommend that the Department of Justice indict Trump, and on December 19, the committee formally made the criminal referral to the Justice Department.
4. 2023: 2023 Milestone — On August 1, 2023, Trump was indicted by a D.
5. 2024: 2024 Milestone — However, given existing policy against prosecuting sitting presidents, the charges were dismissed following Trump's November 2024 election.

Notable Quotes by Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election

“I have to see. No, I'm not going to just say yes. I'm not going to say no.” (2020)

“We'll see what happens...Get rid of the ballots and you'll have a very peaceful – there won't be a transfer, frankly. There will be a continuation.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election

True or False: “Did Donald Trump successfully convince the Supreme Court to hear the case Texas v. Pennsylvania regarding the 2020 election results?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Supreme Court declined to hear the case Texas v. Pennsylvania on December 11, 2020.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election