Former President Donald Trump made headlines at a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania by stating that Vice President Kamala Harris should be impeached and prosecuted for her actions related to the southern U.S. border. He accused Harris of being responsible for murders at the border and claimed that thousands more would follow due to her actions. Trump also attacked Harris personally, calling her “mentally disabled” and “mentally impaired.” His rhetoric towards Harris has escalated as the presidential campaign reaches its final stretch, with Trump frequently resorting to personal attacks based on race and gender.
In response to Trump’s accusations, Harris has pointed to Trump’s role in killing a bipartisan border deal in Congress earlier in the year, which Democrats and some Republicans believe would have addressed key issues related to the border. Harris promised to bring the bill back up and sign it into law if she were elected president. Despite her efforts, an NBC News poll found that a majority of registered voters believed Trump would be better equipped to handle border security and immigration compared to Harris. This has allowed Trump to capitalize on blaming Harris for millions of illegal border crossings since Biden took office, dubbing her as the administration’s “border czar.”
During his rally in Erie, Trump falsely claimed that both Biden and Harris were “mentally impaired,” with Harris being “born that way.” He went on to refer to Harris as a “stupid person” and encouraged the crowd to chant “lock her up.” The Trump campaign spokesperson defended these comments by stating that Harris is “wholly unfit to serve as president,” pointing to data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement showing that 13,000 migrants convicted of homicide are living in the U.S. outside of immigration detention. The Department of Homeland Security clarified that the data dates back four decades, predating the Biden administration.
Trump’s rally and comments drew criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans. Harris’s campaign spokesperson responded by saying that Trump offered nothing inspiring to the American people, only darkness. Some Republicans, including House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Senators Lindsey Graham and Larry Hogan, distanced themselves from Trump’s language and tone. Hogan, a Republican running for the Senate, found Trump’s comments insulting not only to the vice president but also to people with mental disabilities. His stance suggests that neither Trump nor Harris has earned his vote.
Overall, Trump’s attacks on Harris at the rally in Erie highlighted the escalating political tensions surrounding key issues such as border security and immigration. The personal nature of Trump’s accusations against Harris and his rhetoric are reflective of the growing polarization in American politics. As the presidential campaign continues, it is likely that Trump will continue to target his opponents, including Harris, in ways that are seen as controversial and divisive.
