President Trump Calls for 'Major' Probe Into 'Voter Fraud'

U.S. President Donald Trump is calling for an investigation into voter fraud in November's presidential election, reinforcing his belief that voting by millions of undocumented immigrants cost him a victory in the national popular vote.


Trump announced plans for the probe Wednesday morning on Twitter.

• Press secretary pressed on issue 

On Tuesday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer reiterated to reporters the debunked claim that 3 to 5 million immigrants illegally voted for his opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton, one day after the new president rehashed the election at a reception for congressional leaders .

"It's a belief he maintains," Spicer said. Spicer offered no evidence of fraud. Pressed by reporters on what evidence Trump has, Spicer said Trump "has believed that for a while, based on studies and information he has."

But election officials who have analyzed the November 8 vote say there were almost no indications of voter fraud - certainly not on the scale Trump cites.

Several reporters at Tuesday's White House briefing questioned Spicer, asking why if the president believes there was such massive voter fraud, the administration is not launching an investigation.

Spicer said Trump is confident in his Electoral College victory and wants to focus on fulfilling his campaign promises to American voters. When pressed again on the voter fraud allegations by reporters, Spicer said a future investigation is possible.
 [voanews.com]
25/1/17