The What-If Scenario: Would GOP Nullify Trump's 2020 Electoral Vote on January 6, 2021?

Imagine a world where the Republicans controlled the House of Representatives on January 6, 2021. What would have transpired if they attempted to nullify the Electoral College vote of certain Democratic states that had voted to elect Donald Trump to a second term as President?

Could America Have Become a Dictatorship?

Starting from the perspective that the Republican Party is indeed too stupid to successfully pull off a coup, it is evident that such an outcome would be catastrophic. Speculating about such scenarios that occurred three years ago is merely indulgence. However, it is essential to consider the significant implications for American democracy.

But do you think if then-President Trump had accepted his loss and moved on, the situation would have been different? In reality, had he done so, the precedent would be even worse, setting the stage for authoritarian rule rather than just having a President.

Constitutional Crisis and Coup Attempt

If the Republicans tried to challenge the results in enough states to doubt Trump's victory, it would have created a constitutional crisis. The Vice President, Mike Pence, would have had sole discretion in accepting or rejecting electors from these states where cheating was alleged. However, if neither candidate reached 270 electoral votes, the election would have gone to the House of Representatives, with each state casting one vote.

In the given scenario, the Republicans controlled 27 states, and the Democrats controlled 13. Therefore, Trump would likely have remained the President. However, Nancy Pelosi, as the Speaker of the House, took decisive action. She ordered the front doors to be opened, thereby stopping the proceeding. She informed Pence that Republicans had entered the capital, shouting “hang Pence.” Following the removal of Ashley Babbitt, they reconvened.

Procedural and Legal Steps

In the event that the Republicans successfully questioned enough votes from states like Georgia and Arizona, no candidate would have achieved the 270 electoral votes required for election. In that case, the election would have been decided by the House of Representatives, with each state casting a single vote. Given the state-level control, Trump would most likely have been re-elected.

The challenges to fraudulent certifications underscore a critical point: the Electoral College system ensures the stability of the democratic process. Without this check, a splintered and potentially demoralized voting body could lead to a constitutional crisis or even authoritarian rule.

In conclusion, the actions taken on January 6, 2021, saved the United States from a constitutional crisis and thus preserved the democratic system. The events that transpired served as a stark reminder of the importance of a robust and resilient electoral system.