Special Poll
Former President Trump has sparked controversy by questioning the constitutionality of Vice President Kamala Harris’s rise to become the Democratic presidential nominee. Trump’s claims have alarmed critics, who worry he might be setting the stage to contest the results of the upcoming election, much like he did in 2020.
Trump has repeatedly suggested that Harris’s replacement of President Biden as the Democratic nominee is suspicious, labeling it a “coup” and questioning its constitutionality. He has pointed out that Harris was not the primary choice during the Democratic primaries, likening her nomination to an unconstitutional move.
Critics, including some from within Trump’s own party, believe this rhetoric is designed to cast doubt on the election results should Harris win. John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, has warned that Trump’s comments are part of a strategy to potentially challenge the election outcome if it doesn’t go in his favor.
Biden announced his decision to step down from the race in late July, leading to a swift rally of support behind Harris, who was officially certified as the Democratic nominee following delegate voting. Trump, who had been leading in the polls, has since intensified his claims that Biden was forced out, calling it a “coup” and questioning the legitimacy of Harris’s nomination.
In a recent Truth Social post, Trump claimed that Biden’s presidency was “Unconstitutionally STOLEN from him” and argued that Harris’s ascent violated the Constitution, especially given her lack of primary support in 2020.
Legal experts and commentators, however, have pointed out that there is little legal ground for Trump’s claims. Some Republicans had speculated that attempts to replace Biden could face legal challenges, but most agree that such efforts would likely fail in court. Nonetheless, Trump’s rhetoric is being closely watched, especially in light of his previous actions following the 2020 election, which culminated in the January 6 Capitol riots.
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s statements are drawing significant attention, with many concerned about the potential implications for a peaceful transfer of power should he lose. Biden, in a recent interview, expressed doubt about a peaceful transition if Trump were to lose, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.