“We’re Going to Be on the Lookout for ‘Thousand Mules’ Nonsense”: Guilfoyle Warns of Voting Machine Manipulation Ahead of Election

Kimberly Guilfoyle, fiancée of Donald Trump Jr. and a former co-host of The Five on Fox News, cautioned viewers on Wednesday to stay alert for what she described as potential manipulation in voting machines. Speaking on Real America’s Voice, a conservative network, Guilfoyle referenced widely debunked conspiracy theories about tampering in the 2020 election and voiced concerns that these issues could resurface in the upcoming cycle.

Guilfoyle began by addressing what she referred to as “this ‘thousand mules’ nonsense,” referring to the controversial political film 2000 Mules by conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza. The film, which alleges that paid operatives, or “mules,” illegally deposited ballots in swing states to sway the 2020 election, has been widely discredited by experts and fact-checkers. However, the claim continues to circulate among certain right-wing circles. “We’re going to be on the lookout for any of this ‘thousand mules’ nonsense,” Guilfoyle told viewers, adding, “I really don’t think that’s going to be the playbook.”

While distancing herself from 2000 Mules claims, Guilfoyle instead shifted focus to another aspect of election security: the integrity of voting machines. “That, I think, is very important,” she said. Guilfoyle emphasized the importance of transparency and accuracy in the voting process, asserting, “We want to make sure there is no manipulation whatsoever, that only legal, lawful votes are counted. One vote per person. Shocking, you know, proposition there.”

This cautionary message reflects a recurring concern in certain conservative circles about the reliability of voting technology, despite repeated confirmations from federal and state election officials that the 2020 election was secure. Following the election, then-President Donald Trump’s claims of fraud were widely rejected by courts, election experts, and fact-checkers. However, these conspiracy theories have lingered, continuing to influence public discourse around election integrity and security.

Voting machine allegations have already proven costly to media outlets. Dominion Voting Systems, a major voting technology provider, filed a high-profile defamation lawsuit against Fox News, alleging that the network knowingly aired false claims that Dominion machines manipulated votes. In a landmark legal development, Fox News settled with Dominion for $787 million last year, a historic payout underscoring the legal risks associated with spreading unverified information.

Another voting technology company, Smartmatic, also launched a defamation suit against Fox News, alleging that the network had broadcast unfounded claims that the company played a role in rigging the 2020 election. The Smartmatic lawsuit remains ongoing and seeks damages exceeding $2 billion.

Guilfoyle’s remarks add to a broader conversation around election security that, despite reassurances from election authorities, continues to stir debate and skepticism. Her focus on voting machine integrity mirrors a sentiment that has driven many of the 2020 election fraud claims, which have, in turn, led to significant legal and financial consequences for media networks caught in the crossfire of misinformation.

As election season heats up, voting integrity remains a focal point for right-wing influencers. Statements like Guilfoyle’s indicate a persistent distrust in voting systems, even as legal and financial repercussions underscore the risks of promoting unfounded election-related claims. With election integrity once again a prominent topic, networks, and figures across the political spectrum are likely to face increasing scrutiny as they navigate discussions around voting processes and security measures.