By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On Election Day, Donald Trump alleged widespread voter fraud in Philadelphia and Detroit, despite authorities in both cities denying any irregularities. Trump’s claims, posted on Truth Social and X, led to a surge in volatility for the stock of his social media platform, Trump Media and Technology Group. Law enforcement officials in both cities confirmed they had deployed sufficient personnel to ensure public safety and maintain election integrity, emphasizing there was no evidence to support Trump’s allegations. While Trump encouraged reports of impropriety, officials in both Philadelphia and Detroit maintained that no evidence of widespread fraud had been presented.
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Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, claimed there was rumored “cheating” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, barely an hour before polls began to close on Election Day. He took to Truth social, the social network bearing his name, to spread this claim, adding “Law enforcement coming!!!”
The Philadelphia Police Department, however, had no knowledge of any such activity. A spokesman for the department told *Fortune* that they were “not aware of anything at this time.” The Philadelphia District Attorney’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump’s unsubstantiated accusation of “massive cheating” was met with a wave of criticism and disbelief. Many observers pointed out that his claim was a blatant attempt to undermine the election and sow doubt about its legitimacy. They argued that such actions were dangerous and irresponsible, especially given Trump’s history of making similar claims in the past.
Some were quick to point out the irony of Trump’s statement, noting that he actually won the state of Pennsylvania. Others saw it as a predictable and calculated move on his part.
One particularly ironic observation came from a voter in Pennsylvania, who commented that the fact that Philadelphia had not declared Trump the winner with 99.99% of the city’s votes hours before the polls closed was “OBVIOUS PROOF of something illegal happening.” This, of course, is a blatant misrepresentation of how elections work.
Trump’s claim of cheating in Pennsylvania is just one example of his pattern of making unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud. He has repeatedly used such tactics to cast doubt on the legitimacy of elections, particularly when he loses.
The implications of Trump’s behavior are significant. His baseless claims about voter fraud contribute to a climate of distrust in democratic institutions. They can also encourage violence and intimidation, as seen in the January 6th attack on the US Capitol.
In the end, Trump’s claims about cheating in Pennsylvania proved to be unfounded, just like many of his previous claims about voter fraud. However, the damage caused by such rhetoric is lasting and harmful. It is essential to stand up against such claims and to defend the integrity of our democratic processes.