Former President Donald Trump has ignited fresh outrage with his latest misogynistic remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris, following her ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket. In a recent interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Trump disparaged Harris’s appearance, suggesting it would render her vulnerable to manipulation by global leaders.
Trump asserted that Harris’s looks would lead world leaders to view her as a “play toy,” stating, “She’ll be like a play toy. They look at her and they say, ‘We can’t believe we got so lucky.’ They’re going to walk all over her.” He did not clarify his statements further but added: “And I don’t want to say as to why. But a lot of people understand it.”
The comments quickly sparked widespread condemnation on social media. Critics denounced Trump’s statements as overtly sexist and racist, with one user describing them as “very gross” and inappropriate for a political discourse. Others accused Trump of resorting to such rhetoric because he lacks substantive arguments against Harris’s qualifications.
In response to the backlash, Trump’s campaign issued a statement denying that his remarks were related to Harris’s gender or race. Instead, they criticized Harris’s policies, labeling her as “weak, dishonest, and dangerously liberal.”
Trump’s attack on Harris is part of a broader pattern of derogatory comments directed at her, which have intensified since she became the lead candidate for the Democrats in the 2024 presidential race. Recently, Republicans have unfoundedly branded Harris as a “DEI hire,” and Trump’s vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, faced criticism for calling Harris and other women “childless cat ladies” in a 2021 interview.
Public figures, including Jennifer Aniston and Doug Emhoff’s first wife, have condemned Vance’s remarks. Vance and Trump have since attempted to downplay the controversy, framing their comments as focusing on family values.
Trump’s history of misogynistic behavior is well-documented. The infamous Access Hollywood tape from his 2016 campaign revealed him boasting about sexually aggressive behavior. Last year, Trump was found liable for sexually assaulting writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s, and he continues to disparage her despite being ordered to pay damages. Earlier this year, Trump faced conviction on 34 felonies related to hush money payments concerning a sexual encounter with adult film star Stormy Daniels.
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Trump on China and Russia: I think they will walk all over her. She will be so easy for them. She will be like a play toy.. And I don't want to say as to why. But a lot of people understand it pic.twitter.com/bRDhOY7dhB
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 30, 2024