Mr Trump, whatever specific path he takes next, hopes to exploit this large faction of supporters. Such voters, along with those drawn to conspiracies such as QAnon, are the core of his (and his family’s) future political backers, television viewers, rally attendees, donors and buyers of his Trump-branded merchandise. He has just launched a leadership PAC, to let him raise money in the post-election period. That’s much easier to do when voters are enraged at their political opponents. It also suggests he plans to exert influence on congressional candidates and their primary races in the coming months and years. Even insisting on recounts that are doomed to fail can boost Mr Trump personally. Any surplus in fundraising to pay the millions required for a recount in Wisconsin, for example, can be used to pay down other campaign debts.
