DOJ targets Alaska certification as Trump boasts he ordered results tossed if Republican loses

Trump says he directed lawsuit

Trump told reporters Friday that he was the person who ordered the Justice Department to act. He said, “I’m the one that said do it,” and added, “They have two Dan Sullivans.” The lawsuit seeks to prevent Alaska from certifying results if voter confusion could affect the outcome, unless the incumbent Republican wins. Government attorneys argued that voters might mistakenly choose the wrong candidate.

Filing cites voter confusion

In court filings Friday, Justice Department lawyers said it was important not to certify results that could be affected by confusion. The concern centers on two candidates named Dan Sullivan.

The alleged confusion could benefit Democratic nominee Mary Peltola. Recent polling has shown her running close to Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan, a former Democratic congresswoman.

Trump discusses election scenarios

Trump criticized Peltola’s candidacy, telling reporters Friday, “I don’t think he ever voted before. All of a sudden he decides to run.” The article does not identify the person referred to as “he” in that remark.

On Thursday, Trump spoke about hypothetical outcomes, including a “doomsday” scenario, but said he was not planning to be present to prevent certification. “Of course not,” he said when asked whether he was arranging his schedule around the election.

Blanche declines independence pledge

Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to pledge that the Justice Department would remain independent of the White House and suggested he could bring similar lawsuits. Speaking to The New York Post’s podcast, he said, “I don’t” suffer from independence.

A statement in the article said the matter involved state law and that the administration had no authority to direct Alaska’s certification. It also called the late-stage intervention contrary to department policy and raised concerns about political interference, noting the effort came 11 days before polls close.