Trump Revives 2020 Election Fraud Claims, Alleges China Accessed 220 Million US Voter Records

US President Donald Trump has renewed his claims that the 2020 presidential election was compromised, alleging that China gained access to 220 million American voter records ahead of the election.

Speaking from the White House on Thursday evening, Trump repeated his long-standing assertion that the 2020 election, which he lost to former President Joe Biden, was tainted by widespread interference. The claims come despite numerous court rulings that found no evidence of large-scale electoral fraud.

During his address, Trump described the alleged breach as "the largest compromise of election data in history," claiming that China obtained voter information from 220 million US voter files before the election.

He announced plans to launch an investigation into the alleged Chinese interference and said he would declassify intelligence documents that he believes expose significant vulnerabilities in the US voting system.

Trump further alleged that voter data across 18 states was "bought, stolen or hacked by China" and accused individuals who reportedly uncovered the issue of failing to inform government authorities or Congress.

His remarks drew swift criticism from Democrats, who accused the president of undermining public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer dismissed Trump's allegations, insisting that American elections are decided by voters. He also pledged that Democrats would work to ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot without obstruction or interference.

Trump's latest claims also conflict with previous findings by US intelligence agencies. A 2021 assessment by the US National Intelligence Council concluded with "high confidence" that China did not interfere in the 2020 presidential election. The report stated that Beijing considered influence operations but ultimately decided against them, believing that neither election outcome offered enough strategic benefit to justify the risks.

The president's remarks came shortly after a new Washington Post-Ipsos poll showed his approval rating had fallen to 37%, with many Americans expressing concerns over the rising cost of living and the continuing conflict with Iran.