Former President Donald Trump delivered a speech filled with profanity and conspiracy theories two days before the presidential election. During his remarks, he suggested that he should not have vacated the White House following his 2020 defeat to Democrat Joe Biden and spoke about violence against reporters.
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Trump’s speech diverged from his usual campaign talking points. He questioned the integrity of the election process, revisiting past issues regarding his prosecution after attempting to overturn the previous election results. Trump criticized the current national leadership and media, specifically addressing violence against journalists.
The Republican nominee referred to protective ballistic glass placed at his rally, following an assassination attempt during a prior event in Butler, Pennsylvania. He implied that this protection was more about shooting through “fake news,” minimizing the potential threat to himself.
This marked the second instance in recent days where Trump mentioned firearms being pointed at those he considered adversaries. He insinuated that former Representative Liz Cheney, a notable critic, would not support foreign wars if she faced such threats.
With the election nearing, Trump continues to promote unfounded claims about the voting process, asserting that any loss would result from cheating. Despite polls indicating a close race, allies like former chief strategist Steve Bannon have urged him to declare victory prematurely. This mirrors Trump’s actions four years ago, which eventually led to the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.
Although Trump has maintained a relatively focused campaign, emphasizing topics aimed at securing victory, recent speeches show a departure from this discipline. In recent weeks, Trump has made controversial comments, including jokes about golfer Arnold Palmer and using gendered language in efforts to appeal to women voters.
Campaign co-manager Susie Wiles observed silently as Trump delivered his speech. The campaign later clarified his remarks on media violence, stating that Trump referred to assassination attempts on his life, not harm towards media personnel.
Meanwhile, Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris campaigned in Michigan, addressing a church congregation in Detroit with messages of unity and healing. She urged voters to resist the negativity and fear purported by Trump.
During his speech outside Lancaster airport, Trump also targeted his former national security adviser, John Bolton, calling him derogatory names. He continued to spread discredited theories about voter fraud, against the backdrop of competitive battleground state polling.
Harris responded to Trump’s assertions by assuring the integrity of the U.S. electoral system and encouraging voter participation. A spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee criticized Trump’s rhetoric, labeling it as unfit for leadership and harmful to democracy.
Despite his bold claims, Trump acknowledged the deviation from his standard speech, mocking his aides’ advice against discussing election fraud. He suggested that this might be a one-time address.
Later, at a rally in Kinston, North Carolina, Trump shifted between prepared remarks and familiar anecdotes. He momentarily lost track of his location but quickly recovered while praising David McCormick, a Senate candidate from Pennsylvania. Some attendees began leaving early, with one stating that seeing Trump’s arrival and opening remarks was sufficient.
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