Fact Check: Indictment totals from 2020 election fraud rival Watergate and Iran-Contra.

Fact Check: "Indictment totals from 2020 election fraud rival Watergate and Iran-Contra"

What We Know

The claim that "indictment totals from 2020 election fraud rival Watergate and Iran-Contra" stems from recent developments in legal cases surrounding the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Notably, several individuals associated with former President Donald Trump have been indicted for their roles in attempting to overturn the election results. As of May 2024, at least 18 individuals, including prominent figures like Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, have faced charges related to election interference in various states, particularly in connection with the "fake elector" scheme (AP News, AP News).

The scale of these indictments has drawn comparisons to historical political scandals such as Watergate and Iran-Contra, which also involved significant legal repercussions for those in power (MSNBC). The Watergate scandal led to the indictment of 69 individuals, while the Iran-Contra affair resulted in 14 indictments (MSNBC).

Analysis

The comparison of current indictment totals to those from Watergate and Iran-Contra is somewhat valid but requires context. The ongoing investigations and indictments related to the 2020 election are indeed extensive, with multiple states pursuing charges against individuals involved in efforts to subvert the election results. However, the total number of indictments is still evolving, and the final count may not yet match the historical totals from the aforementioned scandals.

Furthermore, the credibility of sources reporting these comparisons varies. For instance, MSNBC's report on the indictment totals provides a clear historical context and draws parallels effectively, while other sources may not provide the same level of detail or analysis (MSNBC). The AP News articles focus on specific individuals and their charges, which adds to the factual basis of the claim but does not directly quantify the total number of indictments in comparison to past scandals (AP News, AP News).

In summary, while there is a significant number of indictments related to the 2020 election, the claim that these totals "rival" those from Watergate and Iran-Contra is still developing and should be viewed with caution until more comprehensive data is available.

Conclusion

The claim that "indictment totals from 2020 election fraud rival Watergate and Iran-Contra" is Partially True. There is a substantial number of indictments related to the 2020 election, and comparisons to historical scandals are being made. However, the total number of indictments is still being determined, and it may not yet reach the levels seen in Watergate or Iran-Contra. Therefore, while the claim has merit, it lacks complete context and finality.

Fact Check: Indictment totals from 2020 election fraud rival Watergate and Iran-Contra.