Top Republicans are defending President Trump’s baseless claims of voter fraud and a rigged election, even as some rank-and-file congressional Republicans have spoken out against the President’s latest remarks.
Here’s a round-up of what some of them have said:
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
“Every legal vote should be counted. Here’s how this must work in our great country: Every legal vote should be counted. Any illegally-submitted ballots must not. All sides must get to observe the process. And the courts are here to apply the laws & resolve disputes. That’s how Americans’ votes decide the result.”
When asked specifically about Trump’s comments last night, McConnell’s office declined to comment.
Sen. Lindsey Graham
On Fox with Sean Hannity Thursday night: “I’m here tonight to stand with President Trump.”
Sen. Ted Cruz
Tweet: “What we’ve been seeing the last three days of #ElectionResults2020 is partisan, political, & lawless. The American people are angry that vote counting has been shrouded in darkness. We must count every vote legally cast.”
Sen. Marco Rubio
Tweet: “Faith in our election is as important as the outcome. Preserving it requires not allowing the outcome to be decided by either the media or a candidate. Transparently count every legally cast vote & allow courts to decide claims of irregularities or fraud on the basis of evidence.”
Sen. Susan Collins
Statement: “States have the authority to determine the specific rules of elections. Every valid vote under a state’s law should be counted. Allegations of irregularities can be adjudicated by the courts. We must all respect the outcome of elections.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy
On Fox News with Laura Ingraham on Thursday: “Every American should stand up. Whatever they see … tell us if they see something that’s incorrect out there,” McCarthy said. He later added, “Do not be silent about this. We cannot allow this to happen before our very eyes.”
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise
Spokeswoman Lauren Fine, saying, “Whip Scalise urges every state to fairly and equally enforce their election laws as written, and only count those ballots that were cast legally. Americans deserve full transparency to have confidence that their votes are being counted accurately.”
House GOP Vice Chair Mark Walker
Tweet: “On a flight to Atlanta sitting next to a Secret Service agent who’s talking about how blessed he’s been to protect President @realDonaldTrump and First Family. Integrity matters. Trust in our process matters. POTUS loves America and deserves a fair election. #CountAllLegalVotes”
Additional reporting from CNN’s Capitol Hill team