Star Metro - Trump speech to focus on election 'integrity'

Trump use of a televised speech to harp on a favorite theme is likely to deepen Republican concerns that he is failing to speak to voter worries about the Iran war and the cost of living.

Democrats allege that the 80-year-old, second-term president himself is trying to tilt the scale ahead of crucial midterm elections in November, by making unproven claims of voter fraud.

But the White House insisted Trump would address valid concerns in the speech at 9:00 pm (0100 GMT Friday).

"President Trump will deliver a major address to the nation on protecting the integrity of our elections, and we encourage every American to tune in," spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

Trump's speech will "shock" viewers and will be "backed by facts and evidence that he will present," she said.

Leavitt however added that it was "very possible" Trump would mention Iran and the economy at the start of his speech.

Trump announced the speech on Monday without saying what it would cover. A day later, he said he would unveil "really big news" about "free and fair elections" but still gave few details.

- Third impeachment? -

CBS News reported that part of Trump's speech would touch on previously unreported allegations of Chinese meddling in US elections, including that it had compromised US voter data.

It said he would also raise claims that the Central Intelligence Agency knew about the Chinese actions and failed to share the information with Trump during his first term as president.

The heads of the CIA, FBI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Department of Homeland Security have been invited to be present while Trump gives the speech, CBS said.

The billionaire president has been pushing Congress to pass a major package of fresh voting restrictions called the SAVE America Act, but there is little appetite even in his own party.

The act would require proof of citizenship to register to vote -- which is already required by law in federal and state elections -- and photo identification at polling places, while imposing new limits on mail-in ballots.

Trump has never accepted his election loss to Democrat Joe Biden six years ago. Months later, he whipped up supporters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Trump could face a third impeachment trial if Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives in the midterms. He was impeached twice in his first term -- including for alleged incitement of the January 6 riots.

His last major televised address to the nation was on April 1, when he gave his first full public justification of the Iran war more than a month after the US-Israeli military campaign began.

M.Johnston--SMC