Trump Files Complaint Alleging Election Interference by UK's Labour
Donald Trump's campaign has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) accusing the UK’s Labour party of “interference” in the US presidential election. In an Oct. 21 letter, it cited media reports on contact between the party and Vice Pres. Kamala Harris's campaign....
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Facts
- Donald Trump's campaign has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) accusing the UK’s Labour party of “interference” in the US presidential election. In an Oct. 21 letter, it cited media reports on contact between the party and Vice Pres. Kamala Harris's campaign.[1][2]
- Seeking a probe into 'blatant foreign interference,' Team Trump accused Harris of receiving 'apparent illegal foreign national contributions.' It claimed the Democratic candidate's 'dangerously liberal policies and rhetoric' were inspired by the “far-Left” Labour.[3][4]
- This follows revelations from a Labour Party member on LinkedIn that nearly 100 party officials were set to campaign for Harris in key US swing states. Media reports also claimed that Labour advisors had assisted the Harris campaign and held meetings with Democratic officials.[5][6]
- The Trump campaign's complaint reportedly mentions Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications head Matthew Doyle. It also claimed that Labour members may be spending more than the $1K allowed by federal poll rules to help US candidates.[7][5]
- Starmer has meanwhile claimed that Labour officials were volunteering for Harris 'in their spare time” and not as party members. Those involved were allegedly funding their own US trips, while accommodation was being arranged by Democratic volunteers.[8][1]
- The Trump campaign sought to draw parallels between the alleged interference by Labour and the American Declaration of Independence from Britain. Campaign co-manager Susie Wiles reportedly said Americans will 'again reject the oppression of big government that we rejected in 1776.'[9]
Sources: [1]Guardian, [2]BBC News, [3]Sky News, [4]The Telegraph, [5]POLITICO, [6]ITV News, [7]Independent, [8]LBC and [9]Express.co.uk.
Narratives
- Republican narrative, as provided by New York Post. The virtual coalition formed by the Democratic Party and UK's Labour Party is dangerous and illegal. Such foreign interference undermines US election laws. Trump's fightback against such activity, which threatens American democracy, must be fully supported by US voters so as to preserve electoral integrity.
- Democratic narrative, as provided by Barrhead News. Fears of Labour Party interference in the US presidential election are exaggerated. The Trump campaign's complaint alleging illegal foreign contributions is simply evidence of paranoia. The members' actions are voluntary and consistent with previous elections. In any case, such allegations are hardly likely to affect US-UK ties.
