Trump’s Press Conference on Economy Turns to Personal Attacks on Harris

On August 15, Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, intensified his personal attacks on Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, during a press event at his New Jersey country club. The gathering was initially touted as a news conference but quickly turned into a platform for Trump’s criticisms.

During his 30-minute speech focused on economic issues, Trump frequently criticized both Vice President Harris and President Joe Biden, specifically targeting topics such as inflation and immigration. After his prepared remarks, he entertained several questions from the assembled reporters.

One reporter inquired whether Trump agreed with some Republicans who have suggested he should avoid personal attacks on Harris, especially considering recent polls indicate she is gaining ground in crucial swing states.

Trump dismissed this notion, asserting that his actions are warranted. “As far as the personal attacks—because of what she has done to the country, I am very angry at her,” Trump stated. He expressed his discontent over what he termed her weaponization of the justice system against him and others.

“I think I am entitled to personal attacks,” he continued. “I do not have a lot of respect for her or her intelligence, and I think she would be a terrible president,” he added, underscoring his disdain.

He then recounted a claim that Harris had referred to him and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, as “weird,” to which he countered, “She is weird. Weird with her policy.”

Trump’s critiques did not stop there. He labeled Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as promoting “communist” policies. This accusation was made while he stood next to a table filled with everyday consumer products to demonstrate the impact of inflation on Americans.

In a campaign stop scheduled for Friday in North Carolina, Harris is expected to announce her intention to advocate for a ban on price-gouging in the food sector, a move that aims to address rising food costs.

The former president also revisited Harris’s change in stance regarding oil fracking in Pennsylvania, a key state for both parties. She previously opposed fracking due to environmental concerns during her unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination in 2020. “I think she will do very badly in Pennsylvania. You have to frack,” Trump remarked.

In response to Trump’s criticisms, the Harris-Walz campaign quickly issued a statement, asserting that his remarks reflected his reluctance to support policy changes that would reduce costs for middle and working-class Americans, as well as lower prescription drug prices for seniors.

“No surprise, Trump doesn’t want to defend his agenda that would raise costs for families by $3,900 a year, cut Social Security, and eliminate the Affordable Care Act—all so he can give his rich donors tax breaks,” the campaign’s statement read. They further emphasized that Harris has dedicated her life to combating fraud and injustice, specifically calling out Trump as an example.