Story perspectives

Trial Begins for Trump Advisers Over Fake Electors

12/17/2025

Center

Trump Advisers Charged

In Wisconsin, former Trump advisers James Troupis and Michael Roman face trial.
They are accused of submitting 'fake electors' to overturn the 2020 election.
A judge ruled there is sufficient evidence for their 11 felony forgery charges.
The case, initiated by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, targets high-level campaign officials and follows stalled prosecutions elsewhere.

Right

Trump Uncovers Threat

Federal prosecutors credit a September 2025 executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump for uncovering a planned New Year’s Eve attack in California.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested four members of the Order of the Black Lotus linked to Turtle Island Liberation Front.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the executive order prompted a focused investigation, enabling undercover operations to monitor the group, which reportedly tested explosive devices.

History

Historical Context

The 2020 U.S. presidential election saw attempts to undermine its legitimacy, notably through a fake electors scheme orchestrated by Donald Trump and his allies in seven battleground states, including Wisconsin. In 2023, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul charged key figures like James Troupis and Michael Roman with felonies, echoing the contentious 1876 Hayes-Tilden election dispute and raising critical questions about future electoral integrity.

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Trump Advisers Charged

In Wisconsin, former Trump advisers James Troupis and Michael Roman face trial.
They are accused of submitting 'fake electors' to overturn the 2020 election.
A judge ruled there is sufficient evidence for their 11 felony forgery charges.
The case, initiated by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, targets high-level campaign officials and follows stalled prosecutions elsewhere.

1 / 3