Republicans break with Trump over baseless vote-fraud claims

Supports of President Donald Trump holds signs during a demonstration outside the State Farm Arena where Fulton County has a voting counting operation, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

WASHINGTON (AP) – Some Republicans are breaking with President Donald Trump as he attempts to falsely declare victory in the presidential race and halt vote counting in Pennsylvania and other states as his reelection hangs in the balance. Trump escalated those allegations late Thursday, telling reporters at the White House that the ballot-counting process is unfair and corrupt.

Trump did not back up his claims with any details or evidence, and state and federal officials have not reported any instances of widespread voter fraud.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says, “Claiming you’ve won the election is different from finishing the counting.” And Florida Sen. Marco Rubio says, “Taking days to count legally cast votes is NOT fraud.”

The comments by the Republican lawmakers and other GOP leaders were rare, public rebukes of Trump, who has demanded – and generally received – loyalty from fellow Republicans throughout his four-year term.