Not involved in terror activities, they are great people: Here’s how Trump praised Muslim voters
Washington, D.C. — In a campaign rally ahead of Election Day, U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump praised his Muslim supporters, highlighting what he described as a “beautiful movement” of Muslims rallying behind him, particularly in the crucial swing state of Michigan. Trump, who has been elected for a second term following a closely contested election, noted that support from Muslim voters has grown significantly, which he believes contributed to his positive performance in Michigan and potentially other key states.
Addressing the rally, Trump spoke warmly of his Muslim supporters, describing them as peace-oriented and intelligent individuals who seek stability and avoid conflict. “They want peace. They really do. They don't want to be in wars. They're very smart," Trump stated, lauding their character and desire for peaceful coexistence. He attributed the origins of the “Muslims for Trump” movement to a small initiative that quickly gained momentum and blossomed into a voting bloc for him in Michigan.
Trump went on to express his appreciation for the group, describing it as an honor to have their support. He acknowledged their contribution to what he characterized as strong election numbers in Michigan, Georgia, and Pennsylvania — all critical battlegrounds in this election cycle. “And I think they might very well be responsible for the kind of numbers we're showing up in Michigan,” Trump said, adding that similar trends were apparent in other swing states.
In his speech, Trump sought to counter stereotypes and misconceptions about the Muslim community. He emphasized that his Muslim supporters do not condone or engage in extremist activities, but rather are individuals focused on peace and community stability. “They’re not involved in the terror and all the things that are going on. They're great people," he remarked, signaling a shift from his previously contentious rhetoric about Muslims.
Concluding his remarks, Trump expressed hope that this alliance would foster “tremendous cohesion” among Americans of diverse backgrounds, stressing his optimism about the role this support could play in bridging divides. He encouraged members of the "Muslims for Trump" group to stand up at the rally, thanking them for their role in his campaign’s success.
The rally was one of Trump’s last public appearances before Election Day and was seen as part of his strategy to consolidate support from a range of demographic groups, especially in pivotal states. His victory in Michigan, in particular, was seen as a result of his ability to appeal to various communities, including Muslims who may have previously felt alienated by his earlier stances.
Trump's second term as president now awaits inauguration, with his team indicating that his administration will focus on uniting Americans across different backgrounds and faiths, hoping to build on the support seen from groups like "Muslims for Trump."
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
