Transition tensions escalate as Trump steps up desperate effort to hold on to power

President Trump has spoken publicly only twice since election night more than two weeks ago. “They’re not going to be successful, but there’s going to be a lot of damage to our democracy.” Rudolph W. Giuliani and other lawyers for President Trump spread conspiracy theories about voter fraud at Republican National Committee headquarters Thursday. “Massive numbers!” Chris Krebs, a former Homeland Security official who led the council that contradicted Trump’s falsehoods about the election, and then was fired by the president, expressed alarm. “And possibly the craziest.” Michael Gwin, a Biden spokesman, dismissed Giuliani’s allegations, saying they have been proved wrong in court and discredited even by officials within the Trump administration. “He’s the one who isn’t letting it go,” the official said of Trump, who empowered Giuliani over top campaign officials after a meeting last week because “Rudy tells him what he wants to hear.” The official confirmed that “a few tense situations” have occurred, as senior campaign advisors Jason Miller and Justin Clark have expressed frustration with Giuliani and Jenna Ellis, another legal advisor at Thursday’s news conference.