On Sunday, Donald Trump reiterated his derogatory comments regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ mental capabilities, as some GOP allies urged him to maintain focus on key issues instead of personal attacks.
At a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, Trump said, “Joe Biden became mentally impaired. It’s sad, but lying Kamala Harris, I believe she was born that way.” He had made similar remarks the previous night in Wisconsin, where he referred to her as “mentally impaired.”
He blamed Harris for the rise in illegal immigration under the Biden administration, suggesting, “Only a mentally disabled person could allow this to happen to our country.”
Some Republicans emphasized the importance of sticking to substantive issues. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, stated on CNN that he does not consider Harris mentally impaired, but labeled her as “crazy liberal.” He advised Trump to focus on areas where voters trust him, like the economy and foreign policy.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the party should prioritize issues over personal attacks when responding to Trump’s comments about Harris.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan criticized Trump’s insults, stating they are “insulting not only to the vice president but to people with actual mental disabilities,” calling for a more respectful tone.
Conversely, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy defended Trump’s remarks, questioning the mental stability of anyone who would allow high crime rates, citing a statistic misused by GOP figures to criticize Harris’ immigration policy.
Trump’s campaign communications director reinforced the stance that Harris is unfit for office, attacking her immigration record. In response to Trump’s remarks, Harris’ spokesperson suggested that Trump has no positive vision to offer, only negativity.