Why I’m Confident Kamala Harris Has Won the Election — And Why Election Denial is Flooding LinkedIn

In the wake of the recent election, online platforms like LinkedIn, typically reserved for professional networking, are seeing a surge of election denial discourse. With comments questioning the integrity of the results, it’s clear that disbelief is running high. However, I'm confident that Kamala Harris has indeed won, and what we’re witnessing on LinkedIn is more about frustration and mistrust than any concrete evidence of voter fraud.

This skepticism isn’t surprising; it follows years of contentious political decisions that have left their mark on Americans, particularly federal employees and military personnel. Many recall the past challenges under former President Donald Trump’s administration, which affected their financial stability. While some federal workers felt their livelihoods compromised by policy decisions, others believe the system is somehow set against them, fueling today’s doubts and denial.

Trump’s 2019 Pay Freeze and Shutdown: A Legacy of Uncertainty

In August 2018, President Trump proposed canceling a planned 2.6% pay raise for federal civilian employees, citing budget concerns. This decision was a significant shock for government workers who counted on modest increases to keep up with inflation. Later, the shutdown of 2018–2019 compounded these frustrations when it resulted in approximately 800,000 government employees missing paychecks for 35 days. The shutdown occurred over budget allocations, impacting countless federal workers and their families.

Essential employees, including TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and certain health and safety inspectors, were required to work without pay. Non-essential workers were furloughed, which effectively left them with no income until the government resumed operations. Many families found themselves missing rent or mortgage payments, struggling to pay bills, and, in some cases, even facing the risk of foreclosure.

Imagine, too, the military personnel who, while not impacted in the same way during this shutdown, looked on, understanding that their own pay and benefits could be jeopardized by similar political gridlock. The government shutdown and pay freeze sent a clear message: even those serving the country and ensuring its security might not have guaranteed income during times of political deadlock.

The Ripple Effect on Families, Communities, and Local Economies

Beyond the immediate strain on federal employees and the military, the shutdown impacted entire communities. In areas with high concentrations of government employees, including the Washington, D.C. region and towns near federal facilities and national parks, local businesses felt the crunch. Cafes, restaurants, daycare centers, and other small businesses saw fewer customers, as workers and their families were forced to cut back on spending. Communities surrounding national parks also suffered; with parks closed or minimally staffed, local tourism revenue sharply declined, affecting everything from hotels to small, family-run shops.

Trump's Three-Day Shutdown - Federal Workers Unpaid

In January 2018, President Donald Trump's administration faced a political clash over protections for "Dreamers," young immigrants safeguarded by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA allowed these immigrants, brought to the U.S. as children, to live and work without fear of deportation. Democratic senators demanded these protections in the budget deal, but Trump and Republicans resisted, triggering a three-day government shutdown from January 20 to January 23. The shutdown left hundreds of thousands of federal workers frustrated and unpaid, caught in the middle of the political dispute over immigration reform. For these workers, the shutdown felt like a risky wager with their financial security.

LinkedIn as an Outlet for Frustration

Now, as the 2024 election results unfold, LinkedIn is echoing these frustrations. Posts questioning Kamala Harris’s victory speak to a longstanding, deep-seated mistrust in government institutions, likely reinforced by memories of financial vulnerability. For many, their past experiences under Trump’s administration, particularly during the shutdown and pay freeze, have left them skeptical about political processes. They see today’s outcomes not just as an election loss but as another chapter in a history of being disregarded.

For some on LinkedIn, supporting Trump is more than a political choice; it’s an alignment with someone who, in their eyes, stood against what they see as an indifferent or even hostile system. This alignment, intensified by past grievances, feeds into election denial and social media debates, with LinkedIn becoming a space where those unresolved frustrations find an outlet.

Why Kamala Harris’s Victory is Clear

Despite the discourse, the data and legal processes uphold Kamala Harris’s victory. Rigorous checks, audits, and certifications are in place across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring election integrity. These systems validate the outcome, and though doubts persist on LinkedIn, they lack grounding in substantial evidence.

Furthermore, Harris’s appeal to federal workers and military personnel is no coincidence. Her administration aims to prioritize stability, recognizing the challenges federal employees faced under previous leadership. For many in these roles, the prospect of greater job security, predictable pay, and stable retirement benefits under Harris has resonated, perhaps influencing the outcome we now see.

Would you vote for someone who cut off your pay?

It’s a question many Americans are asking themselves, especially those who were personally impacted by previous financial disruptions under the Trump administration. When paychecks were halted during the government shutdown, approximately 900,000 employees — along with their families, friends, and communities — felt the sting of uncertainty. These experiences leave a lasting impression and influence voting behavior. For many, Kamala Harris represents a chance at stable leadership, a commitment to public servants, and a break from a past where pay was used as a bargaining tool. When we consider these real impacts, it’s clear why her message resonates with so many who seek dependable support from their government.

The Road Ahead: Restoring Trust in Government

Under Kamala Harris’s administration, many federal workers, military personnel, and their families are looking forward to renewed focus on employee protection, consistent pay, and stability. Her plans include advocating for fair compensation, especially for those who protect and serve the public, from civilians to military personnel.

Today’s election denial on LinkedIn reflects a collective unease about government stability — but it doesn’t alter the outcome. Harris’s victory is clear, and her leadership may represent a chance to address the frustrations of a divided nation, especially those who felt overlooked in recent years. With a commitment to rebuilding trust in government institutions, Harris’s administration could provide the stability that countless Americans — particularly those affected by recent financial and political challenges — are eager to see.