Trump Escalates Personal Attacks on Kamala Harris, Calls for Her Impeachment and Prosecution
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump intensified his attacks on Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris during a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania. On Sunday, Trump accused Harris of being “mentally impaired” and called for her impeachment and prosecution. He further blamed her for what he described as an “invasion” at the U.S.-Mexico border, referring to the recent surge in illegal border crossings.
In his rally, Trump repeated insults he had previously used against Harris, stating, “There’s something wrong with Kamala. And I don’t know what it is, but something is missing. And you know what, everybody knows it.”
This rally followed a similar theme from an event earlier in the weekend where Trump delivered what he referred to as a “dark speech,” a speech characterized by its negative and aggressive tone. Trump has ramped up his personal and offensive attacks as the presidential election approaches, drawing concern from some within the Republican Party.
Norms Broken with Legal Threats
Trump’s calls for Harris’s impeachment and prosecution, along with his threats to prosecute other high-profile figures like Google and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have raised concerns about the politicization of the judicial system. These actions signal a departure from established norms, where the judicial system is traditionally insulated from political influence, reflecting a more aggressive campaign strategy.
Despite these attacks, some of Trump’s allies have urged him to focus on policy issues instead. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., encouraged Trump to prosecute Harris’s policies rather than attack her character. “I think the better course to take is to prosecute the case that her policies, such as her stance on healthcare and taxation, are destroying the country,” Graham said on CNN’s State of the Union.
Mixed Reactions Among Republicans
While some Republicans continue to support Trump, others have distanced themselves from his increasingly personal attacks. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., who is preparing JD Vance for the upcoming vice-presidential debate, sidestepped questions about Trump’s comments on Harris, emphasizing that she is “the wrong choice for America.”
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan also criticized Trump’s remarks, referencing earlier false claims Trump had made about Harris’s racial identity. Hogan condemned Trump’s questioning of Harris’s mental competence, calling it “insulting not only to the vice president but to people who do have mental disabilities.”
Trump’s Base Still Supportive
Despite the offensive nature of some of Trump’s comments, his core base remains supportive, particularly around issues like immigration and the economy. Many of his supporters at the Erie rally acknowledged Trump’s tendency to make controversial remarks but emphasized their support for his policies.
“He says what’s on his mind, and again, sometimes how he says it isn’t appropriate,” said Jeffrey Balogh, 56, who attended the rally. “But he did the job. He did very well at it.”
Tamara Molnar, another attendee, voiced strong support for Trump’s stance on immigration but suggested that both sides could benefit from more decorum. “I think everybody has to have some decorum when speaking about other candidates,” she said.
Trump’s Focus on Immigration and the Economy
At the rally, Trump returned to familiar talking points, vowing to address immigration by ending what he described as an “invasion” at the border and promising to begin deportations if re-elected. He blamed Harris for the situation, citing battleground states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania as being particularly affected by what he claims is unchecked migration.
Trump also reiterated his anger toward Harris, whom he accused of weaponizing the justice system against him. Last month, he defended his attacks, saying, “I’m furious at her because of what she’s done to the country… I think I’m entitled to personal attacks.”
As Trump continues his campaign trail, his personal attacks and harsh rhetoric may further polarize the electorate. Still, they reflect his commitment to energizing his loyal base of supporters in the lead-up to the election. Whether this strategy will pay off at the polls remains to be seen.