A recent legal settlement has shed light on a plot by attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and Jim Troupis, who were working for then-President Donald Trump. They had hatched a plan involving false electors in an attempt to declare Trump the winner in Wisconsin. This strategy was part of a broader attempt to overturn Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election across several battleground states.
Documents Expose Detailed Scheme
As part of the settlement reached in a civil lawsuit filed by Democrats in 2022, Chesebro and Troupis surrendered over 1,400 pages of documents, including emails, text messages, photos, and videos. These documents provide a comprehensive account of how the plot originated in Wisconsin and was then replicated in six other states, including Georgia, where Chesebro has since pleaded guilty to related charges.
Legal Proceedings and Agreements
The legal action targeted Chesebro, Troupis, and 10 Republicans in Wisconsin who falsely posed as electors. The settlement concludes the lawsuit without an admission of guilt from the attorneys. However, they agreed to abstain from participating in similar efforts in future elections, with Troupis also making a financial restitution to the plaintiffs.
Troupis’ Defense
In defending the actions, Troupis stated that pursuing alternate elector ballots was a legitimate action given the contestable nature of the 2020 election results. He emphasized that the settlement was a means to avoid protracted litigation and did not constitute an admission of wrongdoing.
The Role of Electors Explained
The controversy centers around electors, who are appointed to represent voters in the U.S. presidential election. The scheme involved drafting false certificates for bogus electors, undermining the process that determines which party’s electors are sent to the Electoral College based on the state’s popular vote.
The Strategy Behind the False Certificates
The documents reveal Chesebro and Troupis’ use of obscure legal justifications for their actions. They also showcase the strategic discussions aimed at delaying the certification of electoral votes and influencing public opinion through conservative media outlets.
Wisconsin’s Legal Battles
In November 2020, amidst legal challenges to the election results in Wisconsin, the documents highlight Chesebro’s suggestion to Troupis about influencing the state’s Supreme Court justices. This was part of their broader strategy to support Trump’s efforts to invalidate votes.
Federal Indictment and Legal Fallout
The fake elector scheme is central to a federal indictment against Trump, accusing him of attempting to subvert the 2020 election results. This plot has also been linked to the January 6 Capitol riot, prompting investigations into Trump’s conduct and related legal actions in states like Michigan and Nevada.
No Criminal Probe in Wisconsin
While Michigan and Nevada have initiated criminal charges against fake electors, Wisconsin has not launched a criminal investigation. The state’s Attorney General has hinted at relying on federal authorities while not dismissing the possibility of a state-level investigation.
The Settlement’s Announcement
The settlement was publicized by several legal organizations, underscoring the origins of the fake elector scheme in Wisconsin. The attorneys involved in the lawsuit emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in preventing similar future incidents.
The Impact of the Scheme
The detailed documentation provided by the settlement underscores how the efforts to subvert the election results extended beyond Wisconsin, influencing subsequent events and contributing to the narrative that led to the Capitol riot on January 6.
Trump’s Continued Denial
Despite the comprehensive evidence provided by government and independent investigations debunking claims of widespread voter fraud, Trump and his supporters continue to propagate falsehoods about the 2020 election outcome.
Legal and Political Ramifications
The settlement and the extensive documentation it brings to light play a crucial role in understanding the extent of the efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. It highlights the legal and political maneuvers employed by legal actors underpinning Trump’s cause and their implications for American democracy.
Looking Forward
The lawsuit settlement marks a significant development in the ongoing examination of the 2020 election’s integrity and the events leading up to the January 6 Capitol riot. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of safeguarding the democratic electoral process against similar subversive attempts in the future.
