Donald Trump escalated his campaign rhetoric by launching direct attacks on Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. He labeled Harris as “mentally unstable” and warned that undocumented individuals are planning to attack Americans in their homes. His comments came after Harris’s visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, where she pledged to strengthen asylum request management and control migrant crossings.
Speaking at a rally in Wisconsin, Trump blamed Biden and Harris for allowing what he called an “invasion” of criminals into the U.S. Immigration remains a weak point for Harris in the polls, with her neck and neck with Trump in the lead-up to the November 5 election.
Trump’s Anti-Immigration Rhetoric Intensifies
Since his 2016 campaign, Trump has centered his speeches in struggling, predominantly white regions on anti-immigration sentiments. However, his rhetoric has intensified as the election nears.
The 78-year-old former president, who is also the first U.S. candidate convicted of a crime, called Harris “reckless.” He added, “Joe Biden has lost control, but Kamala was born that way. Only someone irrational would allow this to happen.”
Competing Visions for America
In contrast, Harris held a fundraiser in San Francisco. She accused Trump of repeating the same divisive language from his earlier campaigns. “This election is about two very different visions for our country, and we see that in both campaigns,” Harris said.
During his speech, Trump stood surrounded by large photos of migrants accused of crimes, painting a grim picture of America under threat. This, despite declining unauthorized border crossings and crime rates, according to FBI data.
Fearmongering and False Claims
Trump warned his supporters that undocumented people would “enter your kitchens and slit your throats.” He also claimed that small-town America fears the influx of migrants, insisting they would “rape, rob, steal, and murder the people of the United States.”
He further alleged that undocumented individuals would take jobs from marginalized communities and union workers.
It was clear Trump was rattled by Harris’s attempt to present a tough stance on border control after her visit to the border. He dismissed her efforts as “lies.”
