Trump Intensifies Attacks on Media and Reiterates Election 'Fraud' Claims

The Republican candidate has once again raised the allegation of 'fraud' in the elections while simultaneously intensifying his attacks on American media, Hillary Clinton, and her supporters. On October 17, Mr. Trump tweeted, 'There has definitely been fraud in the elections due to the dishonest and distorted media that supports Hillary Clinton; at the same time, there has also been fraud at many polling places.' In another tweet, he reiterated this accusation, claiming that the media is collaborating with Clinton and engaging in election fraud by disseminating what has never happened. These tweets were published while Mike Pence, Mr. Trump's vice president, stated that the Republican candidate would certainly accept the outcome of the U.S. presidential election on November 8, regardless of the result. Currently, polls indicate that Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate, is leading in next month's voting. This is not the first time that allegations similar to those currently expressed have been made by Donald Trump. In mid-summer, he also claimed that there might be 'fraud' in this election. This claim has been described as unprecedented in the modern history of U.S. electoral competitions and has drawn a response from Barack Obama, the President of the United States. On October 15, Barack Obama also reacted to these claims, stating that Trump 'is now acting as if, if the election does not go his way, it is not due to his actions but because of manipulation and fraud (in the elections).' The day before, Robby Mook, Clinton's campaign manager, responded to the fraud allegations, stating that the electoral process in the United States is 'fair, free, and open... People should be encouraged to participate in voting, not have everything questioned because one of the candidates is worried about losing the election.' Reuters reports that Mr. Trump has not provided any evidence for his recent allegations of what he calls 'fraud' in the elections. The Republican candidate, on Sunday, in another tweet, referred to an attack that recently occurred at the headquarters of his party in North Carolina, stating that 'the animals representing Hillary Clinton' and the Democrats were responsible for this attack. Local officials reported that the building in the town of Hillsborough was attacked with incendiary materials, and the symbol of the 'Sun Wheel' (swastika) and a slogan describing Republicans as members of the 'Nazi' party (Hitler's party) were painted on its wall. Hillary Clinton described this attack as 'horrific and unacceptable' and tweeted that she is very glad that everyone is safe.