RNC asks job applicants if 2020 election was stolen
Democrats fear unfounded claims now a litmus test
WASHINGTON – As Donald Trump has tightened his grip on the Republican National Committee in recent months, the organization has asked job applicants if they believe the 2020 election was stolen, raising questions about whether the false belief is a qualification for party employment.
The former president himself constantly claims – without any proof – that President Joe Biden and allies “rigged” the 2020 election. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee in 2024, has made it clear for years he expects aides, allies and voters to agree with him, often publicly criticizing individuals who correctly point out that there was not widespread voter fraud in the race.
The Washington Post, which first reported the interview questions, quoted unidentified applicants as saying they were uncomfortable answering the open-ended queries about alleged election theft. One told the Post: “If you say the election wasn’t stolen, do you really think you’re going to get hired?”
RNC and Trump campaign officials have told USA TODAY that “election integrity” is one of their top priorities, and that applicants are being asked a variety of questions about the process.
“Potential staffers who worked on the front line in battleground states or are currently in states where fraud allegations have been prevalent were asked about their work experience,” said a statement from Danielle Alvarez, a spokesperson for the RNC and the Trump campaign.
“We want experienced staff with meaningful views on how elections are won and lost and real experience-based opinions about what happens in the trenches,” Alvarez added.