Donald Trumpâs campaign has criticized Britainâs Labor Party, calling for an investigation into allegations of âelection interferenceâ.
With just under two weeks to go before Americans go to the polls in an incredibly close US presidential election race, people close to the Republican candidate have accused British politicians of âforeign interferenceâ. Labor has denied the claims.
According to a complaint filed by Mr Trumpâs representative, the Labor politician allegedly made âunlawful foreign national contributionsâ during the election.
It follows reports that Labor members have been advised to travel to the US ahead of the election.
âIn the past few weeks, (Labor) has been recruiting and sending party members to campaign for (Democratic candidate) Kamala (Harris) in critical battleground states, trying to influence our election,â the complaint said.
It also cited Labourâs chief operating officer, Sofia Patel, who is said to have asked staff if anyone would be willing to travel to the US to âhelp our friends across the pond elect their first female presidentâ.
Usually the UK counterpart has regular contact with the US. It is not illegal for foreigners to participate in US political campaigns.
So what happened?
Donald Trump is the Republican candidate running in the 2024 US election
Reuters
Is the Trump campaign accusing Labor?
Mr. Trump has yet to address the new complaint, which was made in a formal complaint to the campaign.
In a letter addressed to the Federal Election Commission, attorney Gary M. Lawkowski, who identifies himself as Deputy General Counsel, said: âDisruption is clearly occurring.â
The six-page document reveals close links between the Labor Party and the campaign used for Ms Harris. It shows that Labor is willing to help find accommodation for people traveling to the US.
The complaint followed a LinkedIn post by Ms Patel which claimed that around 100 former and current Labor staff had traveled to key battleground states ahead of the election. He asked for more support and offered to arrange accommodation.
Trumpâs campaign said it was an example of foreign national contributions to his rival, which are illegal under federal law.
The document read: âThe language of her submission supports a reasonable conclusion that the Labor Party will fund at least travel and facilitate room and board. So, Ms. Patel stated, âWe (presumably, the Labor Party) will get your house in order.â
Contrary to these allegations, the BBC reported that members of the Labor Party were campaigning privately.
Americans will go to the polls on November 5th
AFP via Getty Images
Why did Trump make these accusations?
In a tight race, both parties are doing everything they can to cast doubt on their rivals and win over undecided voters.
The aim could be to link the Harris campaign to foreign election interference, although there is no evidence of this happening.
Some have suggested that Mr Trumpâs campaign is setting the stage for false accusations of election meddling if he loses the election.
Many analysts fear that the former two-time president will contest his 2024 defeat if he loses re-election.
This is not the first time this issue has caused a stir.
In 2018, Bernie Sanders was fined $14,500 (ÂŁ11,176) after the Federal Election Commission concluded that he had received illegal donations from the Australian Labor Party after Australian volunteers paid for his flights.
It did not cost Mr. Sanders the election, but the political controversies close to the 2024 election may have an impact.
What is Labourâs response?
British party members have closely supported and participated in US elections throughout history.
Labor quickly downplayed the new allegations and confirmed it was not funding the trip.
âThe Labor Party has volunteers; (they) have gone through every election,â Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said. âHe does it in his spare time. He does it as a volunteer. He stays, I think with other volunteers there.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner added: âPeople in their own time often go and campaign, and thatâs what weâve seen.
âIt happens in all political parties, people campaign and do what they want with their own time, with their own money.â