Story perspectives

Trump Endorses SC Lt. Gov Evette Amid Fraud Rhetoric

6/12/2026

Center

Trump Endorses Evette

President Donald Trump posted a “complete and total” endorsement of South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette on Truth Social.
Republican primary candidates received endorsements from President Donald Trump in June as he asserted unfounded voter fraud in California elections.
California AG Rob Bonta labeled Trump’s fraud claims “unhinged,” noting audits show no widespread fraud.
Early-ballot turnout hit a record after South Carolina Senate rejected a congressional map.

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Trump Fuels Fraud

Common Cause and other pro-democracy groups warned Trump’s false fraud claims could erode election confidence and spur voting-suppression efforts.
U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Bill Essayli as assistant U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, prompting unfounded California primary fraud investigations.
Legal experts warned Essayli’s promised fraud charges could breach Justice Department policy and signal overreach.
State officials noted California’s jungle-primary and mail-ballot system delay counts, describing the process as normal.

History

Historical Context

Donald Trump’s recent endorsements of South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Bill Essayli’s DOJ nomination revive the 2000 presidential clash, when the Florida recount narrowed George W. Bush’s lead to a 537-vote margin and the U.S. Supreme Court halted it on December 12, 2000 by a 5-4 vote. That ruling still shapes today’s election-integrity debates.

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Trump Endorses Evette

President Donald Trump posted a “complete and total” endorsement of South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette on Truth Social.
Republican primary candidates received endorsements from President Donald Trump in June as he asserted unfounded voter fraud in California elections.
California AG Rob Bonta labeled Trump’s fraud claims “unhinged,” noting audits show no widespread fraud.
Early-ballot turnout hit a record after South Carolina Senate rejected a congressional map.

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