Trump Demands DOJ Investigate 2020 Election Fraud

Written by Matthew Peterson.

Recent disclosures about potential foreign interference in the 2020 U.S. presidential election have reignited debates over electoral integrity. Documents released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) suggest that China may have engaged in efforts to influence the election outcome, prompting former President Donald Trump to demand a special prosecutor to investigate these claims. This article examines the details of these allegations, the FBI’s response, and the broader implications for American democracy.

Origins of the Allegations

In August 2020, the FBI received information from a confidential informant alleging that China was producing and distributing counterfeit U.S. driver’s licenses. These fake IDs were purportedly intended to enable Chinese nationals residing in the United States to cast fraudulent mail-in ballots in favor of then-candidate Joe Biden. According to reports from Just the News, the informant’s claims were supported by evidence from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which intercepted approximately 20,000 fake licenses shipped from Hong Kong and China to a Midwestern battleground state in late July 2020.

The allegations, if substantiated, would represent a significant breach of electoral security. Mail-in voting, expanded in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, relied heavily on identity verification processes that could be vulnerable to such schemes. The informant’s report suggested a deliberate effort to exploit these vulnerabilities, raising questions about the extent of foreign influence in a closely contested election.

FBI’s Response and Recall Notice

Despite the gravity of the allegations, the FBI issued a recall notice shortly after receiving the informant’s tip, instructing agencies to destroy all copies of the original report and remove it from their systems. The stated reason for this action was the need to re-interview the source, though no further explanation was provided. This decision effectively halted any immediate investigation into the claims, preventing intelligence agencies from fully exploring the potential scope of the interference.

The recall notice has drawn scrutiny for its lack of transparency. Critics argue that the FBI’s actions may have suppressed critical intelligence, potentially undermining efforts to safeguard the election. The absence of a clear rationale for the recall has fueled speculation about internal pressures or competing priorities within the bureau at the time. For instance, the FBI was simultaneously managing other high-profile investigations, including those related to domestic unrest and cybersecurity threats, which may have influenced its handling of the informant’s report.

Further complicating the issue, the FBI’s decision to prioritize re-interviewing the source over pursuing the intercepted evidence suggests a cautious approach. While re-evaluating the credibility of a single informant is standard procedure, the destruction of records and the cessation of investigative efforts have raised concerns about whether the bureau adequately addressed the threat.

Trump’s Call for Investigation

On June 13, 2025, former President Donald Trump responded to these revelations with a forceful statement on social media, asserting that the 2020 election was fraudulent and demanding the appointment of a special prosecutor. He described the evidence of Chinese interference as “massive and overwhelming” and argued that such actions could not be tolerated in future elections. Trump’s remarks reflect his ongoing narrative of electoral malfeasance, a theme that has resonated with his supporters since the 2020 election.

Trump’s call for a special prosecutor aligns with broader concerns about foreign interference in U.S. elections. Historical examples, such as Russia’s documented efforts to influence the 2016 election through social media campaigns and hacking, underscore the persistent threat posed by foreign actors. However, the lack of concrete evidence beyond the informant’s claims and the intercepted licenses complicates efforts to substantiate Trump’s assertions. A special prosecutor, if appointed, would face the challenge of reconstructing events from incomplete records, given the FBI’s recall notice.

Public reaction to Trump’s statements has been polarized. Supporters view the allegations as validation of long-standing claims of electoral fraud, while critics argue that the evidence remains speculative and insufficient to justify overturning the 2020 results. The debate underscores the fragility of public trust in electoral institutions, particularly in an era of heightened partisan division.

Implications for Electoral Security

The allegations of Chinese interference highlight vulnerabilities in the U.S. electoral system, particularly in the context of mail-in voting. The 2020 election saw unprecedented levels of mail-in ballots, with over 65 million Americans voting by mail, according to the Pew Research Center. While this expansion facilitated access to voting during a public health crisis, it also introduced challenges in verifying voter identities and securing ballots against fraud.

Experts suggest that robust safeguards, such as enhanced identity verification and chain-of-custody protocols for ballots, are essential to prevent interference. For example, states like Georgia and Texas have since implemented stricter voter ID requirements and audits to address perceived weaknesses. However, these measures remain contentious, with opponents arguing that they may disproportionately affect marginalized voters.

Beyond domestic reforms, the allegations underscore the need for international cooperation to combat election meddling. The U.S. has previously imposed sanctions on nations like Russia and Iran for similar activities, but addressing potential interference from a global power like China presents diplomatic challenges. Strengthening cybersecurity, monitoring illicit shipments, and fostering transparency in intelligence-sharing are critical steps to deter future threats.

The broader implications extend to public confidence in democracy. A 2024 Gallup poll found that only 59% of Americans expressed confidence in the accuracy of U.S. elections, a decline from previous decades. Revelations of foreign interference, even if unproven, risk further eroding this trust, making it imperative for authorities to address such claims transparently and decisively.

Our Take

The allegations of Chinese interference in the 2020 election, while serious, remain inconclusive without further evidence. The FBI’s decision to recall the initial report and halt investigations raises legitimate questions about transparency and accountability within the bureau. While former President Trump’s call for a special prosecutor may resonate with those skeptical of the 2020 results, any investigation must prioritize factual rigor over political motives. The integrity of American elections is paramount, and addressing vulnerabilities—whether from foreign actors or domestic oversights—requires a measured, evidence-based approach. Policymakers should focus on strengthening electoral safeguards and fostering public trust through transparency, rather than allowing partisan narratives to dominate the discourse.