In an 80-minute press conference at his New Jersey golf club on Thursday, Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump launched a broadside against his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, aiming to tie her to the Biden administration’s economic challenges. Surrounded by tables stacked with grocery items, Trump placed the blame for rising inflation squarely on Harris, accusing her of inaction during her time in office.
“Harris has just declared that tackling inflation will be a day one priority for her,” Trump remarked, before adding, “But day one for Kamala was 3-1/2 years ago. Where has she been?”
The event was intended to contrast with Harris, who has largely avoided questions from the press since taking over from President Joe Biden as the top Democratic candidate in late July. However, the press conference quickly took on the tone of a typical Trump rally, with the former president repeating many of his familiar claims and speaking for 45 minutes before addressing any questions from the media.
Personal Attacks and Policy Criticisms
Throughout the press conference, Trump repeatedly insulted Harris, questioning her intelligence and calling her “not smart.” When a reporter pointed out that some Republicans have advised him to focus more on policy than on personal attacks, Trump responded, “I think I’m entitled to personal attacks. She certainly attacks me personally.”
Trump referenced Harris’ recent comments where she described him and his running mate, JD Vance, as “weird,” a criticism that gained traction online thanks to Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. Despite suggestions that he should change his approach, Trump made it clear he had no intention of doing so, stating, “I have to do it my way.”
Harris’ entry into the race has energized Democrats, with recent polls showing that she has closed the gap that Trump had previously held over Biden.
Economic Props and Campaign Hires
During the press conference, Trump used various grocery items, including Wonder Bread, Oreo cookies, Folgers coffee, and Campbell’s soup, as props to illustrate his criticism of Harris and the Biden administration’s economic policies. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly Consumer Price Index, the prices of some of these items, such as bread and coffee, have actually decreased over the past year. Food costs, in general, are now experiencing an inflation rate similar to when Trump was president, between 0% and 2% per year. Despite this, the significant price increases in 2022 and 2023 have left these goods around 20% to 30% more expensive than when Trump left office.
Earlier on Thursday, the Trump campaign announced several new hires, including Corey Lewandowski, who served as Trump’s first campaign manager during his successful 2016 bid. Lewandowski, who expressed his excitement on social media, will be part of the senior leadership team. Trump clarified that these new hires do not signal a shift in strategy but rather a move to “close it out” in the final months of the race.
Despite his controversial history, including being forced out of Trump’s 2016 campaign and a pro-Trump super PAC in 2021 following allegations of inappropriate behavior, Lewandowski’s return signals Trump’s desire to bolster his campaign as it heads into the critical final stretch.