Trump tweets election fraud conspiracy before marking Veterans Day

He later tweeted out White House proclamation

Donald Trump tweeted unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud on Wednesday morning, before marking US Veterans Day.

“A guy named Al Schmidt, a Philadelphia Commissioner and so-called Republican (RINO), is being used big time by the Fake News Media to explain how honest things were with respect to the Election in Philadelphia,” he tweeted at around 9am on Wednesday morning.

“He refuses to look at a mountain of corruption & dishonesty. We win!”

On Wednesday morning, at around 9am, Mr Trump also tweeted about an ABC/Washington Post poll that was released prior to election day, which showed him 17 points behind Joe Biden in Wisconsin.

Despite the state being called for Mr Biden last week, Mr Trump claimed: “We are now preparing to win the state” and falsely called the poll: “Voter suppression.”

However, at 10am on Wednesday Mr Trump tweeted a link to the White House “Proclamation on Veterans Day.”

Mr Trump's proclamation read: “America's veterans have fought to defend our country, its values, and its interests since the first days of our founding.”

It continued: “I encourage all Americans to recognise the fortitude and sacrifice of our veterans through public ceremonies and private thoughts and prayers.”

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the US that is observed every year on 11 November, to honour persons who have served in the US Armed Forces.

Mr Trump will also be marking Veterans Day on Wednesday by visiting the Arlington National Cemetery, where he and the US first lady, Melania Trump, will participate in an observance for military veterans.

At around 10:30am on Wednesday, President-elect Joe Biden released a statement to mark the day, in what was the first communication from his team since Tuesday evening.

“To all of our proud veterans, know that I will be a commander in chief who respects your sacrifice, understands your service, and who will never betray the values you fought so bravely to defend.

“I will never treat you or your families with anything less than your families deserve.”

Vice president-elect Kamala Harris also tweeted: “It is our sacred obligation to care for our nation’s veterans and do right by them and their families. Joe Biden and I are committed to ensuring they get the care they need when they return home.

“On Veterans Day and every day, thank you to all who have defended our nation.”

Mr Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, marked Veterans Day on Wednesday morning, tweeting: “Happy Veterans Day to all the incredible men an women who have served our country to preserve our freedoms and to fight for liberty.

“Thank you for your service. #VeteransDay2020.”

Mr Trump Jr has repeatedly echoed unsubstantiated claims by his father that there was widespread voter fraud in several swing states during last week’s presidential election. He also tweeted about the false claims on Wednesday, before marking Veterans Day.

Mr Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, also tweeted: “There is no greater debt of gratitude we owe as Americans than to those who have worn the uniform of the US throughout history and fought for the freedoms we enjoy.

“May God bless & care for all our veterans, those still serving in our military & their families! #VeteransDay.”

Mr Trump has refused to concede the presidential election and has repeatedly falsely claimed that voter fraud took place across several swing states, following Mr Biden’s victory last week.

The Trump campaign issued lawsuits in multiple states, but there is currently no evidence to back up the claims of voter fraud.

Speaking about Mr Trump’s refusal to concede the election earlier on Tuesday, Mr Biden said: “I just think it’s an embarrassment, quite frankly.”