With Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, narratives resurfaced claiming that Joe Biden’s 80 million votes in the 2020 election were somehow fraudulent or exaggerated. This analysis explores these claims, their origins, and the misinformation that surrounds them.
Context of the “80 Million Votes Lie” Claims
After the 2020 election, which saw Joe Biden receive over 80 million votes, some Trump supporters and public figures cast doubt on the legitimacy of this number. Despite numerous audits, recounts, and legal rulings confirming Biden’s victory, claims of voter fraud and election manipulation persisted. Trump’s 2024 win reignited these claims, with some Trump supporters alleging that the 2020 result was a “lie” and that Biden’s vote total was inflated or fraudulent.
Misinformation and Social Media Impact
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have played a significant role in spreading these claims. Viral posts have resurfaced asserting that Biden’s 2020 votes were manipulated, largely echoing similar narratives from four years prior. Fact-checkers, including PolitiFact and the Associated Press, have consistently found no evidence to support these allegations, noting that Biden’s 2020 victory was certified in every state and upheld in multiple court cases. However, the 2024 election has seen a revival of these unsubstantiated claims, amplified by high-profile influencers and partisan commentators.
Legal and Investigative Background
Extensive investigations into the 2020 election, including those by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and state-level audit committees, found no evidence of widespread fraud. A report by the Department of Justice under then-Attorney General William Barr stated there was no proof of fraud that could have affected the 2020 outcome. Additionally, independent audits in battleground states reaffirmed the accuracy of vote counts.
| Fact | Detail |
| 2024 Election Outcome | Donald Trump won the 2024 election, defeating Kamala Harris, who was the Democratic nominee and Biden’s vice president. Republicans also gained control of the Senate. |
| Social Media Claims | Some pro-Trump figures have circulated claims that Biden’s 80 million votes in 2020 were fraudulent, often alleging without evidence that the 2020 results were manipulated. |
| Fact-Checking | Fact-checking sites like PolitiFact have debunked these claims, explaining that Biden’s 2020 votes were legitimate, with no evidence to support large-scale fraud in either election. |
| Impact on Public Opinion | The claims have been part of ongoing partisan divisions over election integrity, particularly among Trump supporters who continue to question past election outcomes. |
| Misinformation Spread | Various sources have noted that these unsubstantiated theories proliferate on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, especially following the 2024 results. |
Trump’s 2024 Victory and Renewed Partisan Divides
Trump’s 2024 win over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has re-emphasized divides in public opinion on election integrity. Supporters who questioned Biden’s 2020 win view Trump’s victory as validation of their suspicions, while others warn that unfounded claims threaten trust in the democratic process. The divisive political climate has spurred calls from leaders on both sides for greater transparency, but accusations regarding Biden’s 2020 votes remain without substantive proof.
The Role of Misinformation in Election Narratives
The persistence of claims labeling Biden’s 2020 vote total as “lie” underscores the impact of misinformation on public opinion. Despite multiple layers of validation and certification, the “80 million votes lie” narrative exemplifies how unverified claims can persist across election cycles, particularly when amplified by social media. The 2024 election results and Trump’s return to office are likely to continue fueling debates over election legitimacy, demonstrating the need for rigorous public education on election integrity and reliable information sources.
