Former President Donald Trump faces serious accusations regarding a phone call with two Michigan officials, Monica Palmer and William Hartmann, members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers.
The call, detailed in a recording obtained by The Detroit News, quoted by Newsweek reveals Trump's attempt to pressure the officials not to certify the 2020 election results in favor of Joe Biden.
During the conversation, which also involved Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, Trump and McDaniel allegedly offered legal support to Palmer and Hartmann if they refrained from certifying the results.
Trump's words, "We'll take care of that," in response to McDaniel's offer of legal aid, have raised suspicions of bribery.
This phone call adds to the series of legal challenges facing Trump, who has already pled not guilty to charges in other election-related investigations. Under Michigan law, bribery includes any offer to influence the decision of a public officer, raising questions about the legality of Trump's offer.
Georgia State University College of Law professor Anthony Michael Kreis commented on the issue, noting that while legal aid is not typically seen as a bribe, it is a valuable offer in exchange for a corrupt act. The situation could potentially lead to Trump facing additional legal charges in Michigan.
