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Rep. Justin Amash calls Trump speech 'despotic' after president falsely declares victory

Posted at 5:10 AM, Nov 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-04 05:27:49-05

(WXYZ) — "That was one of the most dishonest and despotic speeches ever given by a president of the United States."

That was U.S. Rep Justin Amash's response to President Donald Trump's statement at the White House declaring victory in Tuesday's presidential election.

No stranger to critiquing Trump, Amash took to Twitter early Wednesday after the president not only claimed a premature victory – despite millions of votes still being counted in battleground states, including Michigan – but also added that he believes that the election is being stolen.

When Trump spoke from the White House early Wednesday morning, opponent Joe Biden held a narrow 225-214 Electoral College lead.

"I want to thank the American people for their tremendous support. Millions and millions of people voted for us today. And a very sad group of people is trying to disenfranchise that group of people. And we won't stand for it. We won't stand for it," Trump said.

“We are up BIG, but they are trying to STEAL the Election. We will never let them do it. Votes cannot be cast after the Polls are closed!” Trump tweeted.

Immediately after the message was sent, Twitter flagged the tweet for misinformation.

In response, Biden campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon called Trump's comments "outrageous, unprecedented and incorrect."

Despite there not being any obvious reason to do so as of now, Trump vowed to go to the Supreme Court to dispute the election count.