Newly obtained emails and audio recordings have shed light on the extent of the efforts made by the Trump team to carry out a fake electors scheme in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. These recordings, obtained by undisclosed sources, provide valuable insights into the frantic last-minute scramble that took place on January 6, 2021, to secure the delivery of fake elector certificates to Washington, D.C.
Key information has come from Ken Chesbrough, who has been described as the mastermind behind the fake electors plot. Chesbrough recently sat down with state-level investigators in Michigan and other battleground states to detail his involvement. According to Chesbrough, the Trump campaign, including high-ranking campaign officials, was deeply involved in the endeavor to deliver fake elector certificates to Washington, D.C., specifically from two critical battleground states: Michigan and Wisconsin.
Chesbrough revealed that when it became apparent that the certificates were delayed in the mail, panic ensued among Trump campaign officials, including the general counsel. The fake elector certificates, signed on December 14th, needed to physically reach the floor of Congress by January 6th for Vice President Mike Pence to discard the legitimate electors for Biden and substitute them with the fake electors for Trump. This episode is subtly mentioned in Jack Smith's federal indictment against Trump, highlighting the connection between two vital aspects of the case and the allegations of a broader conspiracy.
Despite concerns, the certificates did eventually arrive in Washington, albeit with considerable effort. Chesbrough also disclosed the significant involvement of Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill in facilitating the transfer of the certificates. The orchestrated handoff process, as described by Chesbrough in emails and during his interview with investigators, involved multiple exchanges and aimed to place the certificates in the hands of Senator Ron Johnson. Johnson's role in the fake electors plot has previously been questioned, and these newly revealed documents substantiate his importance in the scheme. A staffer for Johnson reached out to Pence's office to offer the certificates, but the offer was rejected. Ultimately, Pence certified the legitimate election results.
These revelations underscore the involvement of both the Trump campaign and members of Congress in what appears to be a coordinated effort to undermine the democratic process. The newly obtained evidence provides a clearer understanding of how far-reaching and elaborate the fake electors plot was leading up to the events of January 6th, 2021. As investigations continue, the role of those implicated will likely come under further scrutiny, shedding more light on the depths of this alleged conspiracy.
