US Election Officials Condemn Trump’s Threat to Jail Them if He Returns to the White House, Reports Reuters

By Tim Reid and Nathan Layne

WASHINGTON – U.S. election officials and the campaign for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris have expressed strong disapproval of Donald Trump’s recent threats to imprison "corrupt" election officials if he wins the upcoming election on November 5. They accused him of engaging in intimidation tactics that could incite violence.

This reaction follows a social media post from Trump in which he warned several individuals about potential prosecution for voter fraud in the 2024 election—a claim that studies indicate is extremely rare in the U.S.

In his post, Trump stated, "We cannot let our Country further devolve into a Third World Nation, AND WE WON’T! Please beware that this legal exposure extends to Lawyers, Political Operatives, Donors, Illegal Voters, & Corrupt Election Officials. Those involved in unscrupulous behavior will be sought out, caught, and prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before in our Country."

Trump reiterated his unfounded assertion that his loss to Democratic President Joe Biden in the 2020 election was a result of fraud—similar rhetoric he used to rally supporters before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Adrian Fontes, a Democrat and Arizona’s Secretary of State, characterized Trump’s remarks as "tyrannical," warning that they could provoke political violence. "Sadly, security is now one of the main considerations in election administration," he stated, emphasizing the need to safeguard election officials and poll workers.

Seth Bluestein, a Republican on Philadelphia’s Board of Elections, noted that election officials remain dedicated to their responsibilities, which increasingly includes preparing for potential threats of violence.

Karoline Leavitt, national press secretary for the Trump campaign, defended the former president’s stance, asserting that anyone who breaks the law should face prosecution, particularly those involved in election fraud.

Amman Moussa, a spokesperson for Harris, criticized Trump’s statements as "extreme and unhinged," accusing him of escalating his threats of revenge and retaliation.

As the election battle between Trump and Harris unfolds—polling suggests a tight race—Harris has made significant gains since Trump’s favorable standing over Biden before the latter’s withdrawal from the reelection race in July.

Since his loss in 2020, Trump has consistently claimed that election workers have conspired against him, leading to many officials receiving threats. In response to Trump’s recent post, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson pledged on social media to remain committed to ensuring fair and secure elections, stating, "No amount of lies, delusions or threats will distract us from that purpose."

Michella Huff, the elections director for Surry County, North Carolina, expressed concern that Trump’s comments may dissuade people from becoming election workers. "All it’s going to do is discourage wonderful volunteers," said Huff, who identifies as an independent after previously being a Republican.