Initially, Republicans were skeptical of Donald Trump's claims that the Russia investigation was a "witch hunt," but now they promote the idea that Trump's indictments are part of one. They have shifted from condemning the January 6 rioters to suggesting they were legitimate protesters targeted by the Justice Department. They have also attacked numerous law enforcement figures, even Republican ones, who act in ways that could be politically unfavorable.
However, this disrespect for the rule of law is particularly evident in Rudy Giuliani's case. The former New York mayor and Trump lawyer is facing financial ruin due to his false claims about Georgia election workers rigging the 2020 election. Giuliani has already been found liable in civil court for defaming the women involved, and a trial is underway to determine the amount he will have to pay them.
As the trial approached, Giuliani seemed resigned to his fate and signed a statement indicating he would no longer contest the falsity and defamatory nature of his statements. The judge later confirmed that they were indeed false and defamatory. But now Giuliani is publicly contradicting himself, claiming in an interview that everything he said about the women is true, despite the lack of evidence.
Giuliani's attempt to make this argument comes too late, as it has already been established that his statements were false and defamatory. The judge in the case swiftly rebuked him and suggested that his statements could support a new defamation claim. It is unclear whether Giuliani will comply with court orders when testifying. His lawyer struggled to explain his client's actions, citing his advanced age as a possible factor.
Regardless of the reasons, Giuliani wants the public to believe he was right without actually proving it. This mirrors the pattern of the "big lie" promoted by Trump and Giuliani, where they make wild claims that are quickly debunked, but instead of admitting their falsehood, they back off when faced with legal scrutiny. This pattern is evident not only in Giuliani's case but also in the actions of other Trump lawyers like Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis.
Despite her guilty plea, she continues to promote claims of a stolen election, and her organization's newsletter reinforces the idea that her plea was forced. This ultimately allows people who believe in the "big lie" to disregard the legal rejection of their argument. These individuals have not provided any evidence to support their false claims, yet they still face consequences. However, instead of acknowledging the falsehood and baselessness of their claims, they believe that they are being targeted by nefarious actors trying to overturn the election. Consequently, it is not surprising that a significant number of Americans, including Republicans, falsely believe that the election was stolen. Even though some concede that there is no solid evidence, they continue to hold onto this belief. Additionally, it is not surprising that a large majority of Trump supporters would still vote for him even if he were a felon. While legal actions have been taken against those attempting to undermine American democracy, they have had little effect in curbing the fervor surrounding the "big lie." This is not only due to individuals like Giuliani and Trump who benefit from perpetuating this falsehood but also to those who have created a narrative that allows their supporters to believe in a grand legal conspiracy. As a result, it seems that the casualties of the "big lie" could extend beyond those who have staked their careers and livelihoods on it, potentially eroding respect for the rule of law and accountability.
