At an event in Erie, Pennsylvania on Sunday, September 29, 2024, former President Donald Trump amplified his accusations against Vice President Kamala Harris. He labeled her as “mentally impaired” and implied she should face impeachment and prosecution for her decisions concerning the U.S.-Mexico border. As Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign progresses, his confrontational rhetoric appears to be escalating.
Throughout the rally, Trump held Harris accountable for an alleged “border invasion.” He claimed that “hundreds of people have been murdered because of her action at the border, and thousands more will follow in rapid succession.” He further expressed his views on a Truth Social post, stating, “Kamala’s illegal migrants. It’s the biggest crime story of our time. She should resign or be IMPEACHED!”
Trump’s fervent comments were echoed by his supporters, who chanted “lock her up,” a call-back to his previous attacks on his political adversaries. Trump also featured a campaign-style ad that derided Harris’s distinctive laugh and scrutinized her approach to immigration, in a bid to rally his base against her policies.
Trump’s public statements also ventured into personal attacks, with him proclaiming, “Honestly, I believe she was born that way. There’s something wrong with Kamala, and I just don’t know what it is, but there is definitely something missing.” These provocative remarks have garnered negative responses from some within his party.
Vice President Harris has mostly refrained from responding to Trump’s comments, dismissing similar remarks as routine. However, she has been vocal about immigration, criticizing Trump’s inaction on crucial issues during his tenure. During a visit to Arizona, Harris underscored that Trump did not make any progress in fixing the country’s flawed immigration system or addressing the shortages of immigration judges and border agents in his four years as president.
Trump’s accusations are not a novelty. In past rallies, he has consistently criticized Harris for her immigration position, blaming her for what he views as disorder at the southern border. However, critics point out that some of the immigration statistics Trump has referred to, especially claims of a crime surge related to immigration under the current administration, were either overstated or included data from his presidency. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson clarified that the data Trump referenced “goes back decades” and includes noncitizens from various administrations, not just those who entered during Harris’ tenure.
Several prominent Republicans have started to disassociate themselves from Trump’s rhetoric. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina offered an alternate strategy, suggesting it would be more effective to argue that Harris’ policies are harming the nation. Republican Majority Whip Representative Tom Emmer voiced a similar opinion, emphasizing the need to concentrate on core issues.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, recognized for his moderate perspective, was more forthright in his criticism. He described Trump’s comments as “outrageous and unacceptable” and “insulting, not only to the vice president but to people that do have mental disabilities.”
As Trump’s 2024 campaign forays forward, his attacks on Harris seem set to remain a focal point. However, it is yet to be determined whether his rhetoric will stir his base or repel voters.
