WATCH: Trump leads RNC in pledge to ‘cheat like hell’ in November elections
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-09-11 16:56:00 — www.pbs.org
Donald Trump Urges GOP Crowd to “Cheat Like Hell” Despite Past Claims of Election Fraud
At the Republican midterm convention Thursday night, President Donald Trump told attendees, “we want honesty in our elections,” before leading the crowd in a pledge to “cheat like hell” and “go out and vote” in the upcoming midterm elections. The event, which marked the first-ever GOP convention held before high-stakes November contests, highlighted Trump’s ongoing contradictions and repeated falsehoods regarding election integrity.
Contradictory Rhetoric on Election Honesty
Trump’s call for honesty in elections stands in stark contrast to his actions and statements both at the convention and in the past. Despite his public demand for “honesty,” he encouraged supporters to “cheat like hell” as part of a rallying cry to energize Republican turnout. This message is particularly notable given Trump’s history of making unfounded claims about widespread voter fraud and calling for “long-term prison sentences” for those he labels as election “cheaters.”
False Claims and Voting Practices
Fact-checkers have repeatedly debunked Trump’s assertions of rampant voter fraud. Since taking office, he has attempted to limit mail-in voting, a move often justified by his claims of fraud. However, Trump himself has repeatedly used mail ballots to cast his own votes in elections, further highlighting the inconsistency between his rhetoric and personal actions.
Disparaging Remarks and Exaggerations
During the convention, Trump led the crowd in a repeat-after-me pledge to “the greatest president in the history of the United States that loves us so much he can’t even breathe,” a statement that exaggerates his own standing and devotion among supporters. He closed his speech with a stark warning: “You know what happens if you don’t vote? You go to hell,” using hyperbolic language to stress the importance of turnout.
Conclusion: A Pattern of Contradiction
Trump’s remarks at the Republican midterm convention exemplify his pattern of making false or exaggerated claims about election integrity while simultaneously encouraging behavior that contradicts his stated positions. His history of unfounded fraud allegations, attempts to restrict mail-in voting despite personal use, and inflammatory rhetoric continue to shape the political landscape as the midterm elections approach. Voters and observers are left to grapple with the ongoing tension between Trump’s words and actions on the issue of election honesty.