At a rally held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, in Erie, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump intensified his attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her “mentally impaired” and suggesting she should be both impeached and prosecuted for her actions related to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump’s rhetoric, already known for being incendiary, appears to escalate as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election.
During the rally, Trump claimed Harris was responsible for a so-called “border invasion,” asserting that “hundreds of people have been murdered because of her action at the border, and thousands more will follow in rapid succession.” He added on a Truth Social post, “Kamala’s illegal migrants. It’s the biggest crime story of our time. She should resign or be IMPEACHED!”
Trump’s harsh comments were accompanied by his supporters chanting “lock her up,” reminiscent of his previous attacks on other political rivals. Trump then played a campaign-style ad mocking Harris’s distinctive laugh while criticizing her handling of immigration, aiming to rally his base against her policies.
Trump’s remarks also included personal attacks, with him stating, “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 inflammatory statements have drawn criticism from some within his party.
Vice President Harris has mostly avoided responding to Trump’s comments, previously brushing off similar statements as routine. However, she has been outspoken regarding immigration, criticizing Trump’s lack of action on important issues during his time in office. During a visit to Arizona, Harris emphasized that during Trump’s four years as president, he made no progress in repairing the nation’s flawed immigration system, nor did he address the shortages of immigration judges or border agents.
Trump’s accusations are not new. In previous rallies, he has repeatedly criticized Harris for her immigration stance, blaming her for what he perceives as chaos at the southern border. However, critics note that some of the immigration statistics Trump has cited, particularly claims of a crime wave linked to immigration under the current administration, were either exaggerated or included figures 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’s tenure.
Several notable Republicans have started to distance themselves from Trump’s rhetoric. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina proposed an alternative strategy, suggesting it would be more effective to argue that Harris’s policies are damaging the country. Republican Majority Whip Representative Tom Emmer shared a similar view, stressing the need to focus on the key issues.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, known for his moderate stance, was more direct in his criticism. He called Trump’s comments “insulting, not only to the vice president but to people that do have mental disabilities.”
As Trump continues his 2024 campaign, his attacks on Harris seem poised to remain a central theme. However, it remains to be seen whether his rhetoric will galvanize his base or alienate voters as the election season progresses.