US President Donald Trump accused China on Thursday evening of carrying out what he described as a major breach of American election data beginning around the 2020 presidential election.
During a national address, Trump claimed that China had obtained voter records linked to approximately 220 million US voters.
He described the alleged incident as the largest compromise of election data in history and an unprecedented threat to US election security.
Trump Points to Declassified Reports
Trump said that declassified reports connected to the alleged election data breach had been published on the White House website.
However, the documents and the claims presented during the address could not be independently verified immediately.
The president did not provide detailed technical evidence during his speech explaining how the voter information was allegedly obtained or used.
FBI and Intelligence Agencies Ordered to Investigate
Trump said he had instructed the Director of National Intelligence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate China’s alleged involvement.
He argued that the US electoral system remained highly vulnerable to foreign influence, particularly from China and Russia.
Trump also accused members of what he called the “Deep State” of attempting to minimise the scale of the alleged interference.
No immediate public response from Chinese authorities was included in the address.
Trump Calls for SAVE America Act
The president used the speech to urge Congress to approve the SAVE America Act.
The proposed legislation would require voters to provide documentary proof of US citizenship before registering to vote in federal elections.
The House of Representatives approved the measure in February. However, the bill has since stalled in the Senate.
Supporters argue that the legislation could strengthen election security. Critics say it may create additional barriers for eligible citizens attempting to register to vote.
Trump Criticises Political Opponents and News Networks
Trump repeatedly criticised his political opponents during the address.
He also said television networks that chose not to broadcast the speech should risk losing their broadcasting licences.
ABC, NBC and CNN had reportedly indicated earlier in the week that they would not carry the address live.
The comments are likely to intensify an existing debate over political speech, media independence and government oversight of broadcasters.
Midterm Elections Approach
Trump’s speech comes ahead of the US midterm elections, which are scheduled to take place in the coming months.
The elections are expected to represent a major political test for his administration and its policy agenda.
Election security, voter registration requirements and alleged foreign interference could become central issues during the campaign.
Iran War and Inflation Pressure Trump
The administration is also facing criticism over the continuing conflict with Iran.
Public dissatisfaction has reportedly increased as the war continues, while elevated inflation remains a major concern for American households.
These issues could influence voter sentiment as the midterm elections approach.
Trump’s renewed allegations against China may further increase tensions between Washington and Beijing while placing election security back at the centre of the US political debate.
