Trump “very big announcement” tonight. What will he say in his speech to the nation? | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a prime-time address to the nation on Thursday night, with reports saying the speech will focus on newly declassified intelligence related to the US election, alleged vulnerabilities in voting machines, including the escalating conflict with Iran.
The nationally televised address is scheduled for 21:00 ET (Friday 01:00 GMT, Friday 6:30 IST).
Focus on elections and voting machines
Trump will discuss newly declassified intelligence related to the investigation into the US election and what the administration says are vulnerabilities in voting machines that could allow foreign cyber intrusions, according to a Trump administration official cited by Reuters.
The official said the president will also address shortcomings in election systems and efforts to strengthen election security.
In an interview with reporters earlier this week, Trump confirmed that the election will be the focus of his speech.
“It’s going to be about that topic,” Trump said when asked if he would discuss the integrity of the voting machine.
He later called the announcement one of the biggest of his presidency.
“What we’re going to talk about on Thursday is – it’s not going to get bigger because without free and fair elections you don’t have a country.”
“We will discuss other things as well, but it will be a very big announcement.”
He is expected to review the demands for the 2020 election
The speech is widely expected to revisit Trump’s long-standing claims that the 2020 presidential election was marred by widespread fraud and voting irregularities.
Trump has repeatedly claimed to have defeated Democrat Joe Biden in 2020, even though audits of the vote and investigations have found no evidence of fraud that could have changed the outcome of the election.
New intelligence is expected
Administration officials have said Trump plans to reveal newly declassified intelligence related to the 2020 election.
Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the White House has also created a task force to investigate aspects of the 2020 vote.
Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reportedly produced a separate report that identified vulnerabilities in voting machines and recommended additional security measures, including software updates. However, the White House has not yet released this news publicly.
Iran is expected to feature prominently
Trump is also expected to address the rapidly escalating military conflict with Iran.
The speech comes as US forces have stepped up strikes against Iranian targets amid Tehran’s attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes targeting US allies in the region, while Trump has warned of wider military action if Tehran does not return to negotiations.
His speech follows several days of escalating exchanges that have raised fears of a wider regional conflict and disruption of global energy supplies.
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Political background half a century ago
Trump’s remarks also come months before the US mid-term elections, when Republicans are seeking to retain control of Congress.
The president has repeatedly claimed that Democrats are trying to rig future elections and has called on Republicans to pass stricter federal election laws.
Democrats rejected the claims and accused Trump of undermining trust in the electoral process.
The White House is keeping the details under wraps
Since announcing the address on Monday, The White House released few details about Trump’s remarksprompting speculation about what other announcements he may make.
While election security and Iran are expected to dominate the speech, Trump has repeatedly indicated that the speech will include other unspecified topics.
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