Former President Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and the Minnesota Freedom Fund at a rally in Minnesota on Sunday, highlighting abortion rights and his use of the National Guard amid civil unrest.
Former President Trump took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in Minnesota on Sunday, accusing her of supporting "arsonists and rioters" during the 2020 civil unrest. Trump also defended his decision to deploy the National Guard during that time, contrasting it with Harris's donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which bailed out protesters accused of violent crimes.
"When I saw Kamala Harris saying that the rioters were just peaceful protesters, it made me sick to my stomach," Trump told the crowd in St. Cloud. "She wanted to let them burn and loot our cities, but I sent in the National Guard and stopped them."
Trump Slams Harris, National Guard Deployment in Minnesota Rally
Trump's comments come as he ramps up his campaign for the 2024 presidential election. Minnesota, a state that has not voted for a Republican president since Richard Nixon, is a key battleground for Trump, who has repeatedly expressed hopes of winning it.
Recent polls show Harris leading Trump in Minnesota by a significant margin. A Fox News poll conducted in December found that Harris had a 51% approval rating among registered voters in the state, compared to Trump's 42%.
Trump Slams Harris, National Guard Deployment in Minnesota Rally
Democrats have been hammering Republicans on abortion rights, an issue that has become increasingly salient following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade last year. In Minnesota, Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has issued an invitation to Iowans seeking abortion services after Iowa's new six-week abortion ban took effect.
Trump supporters, however, argue that there are more pressing concerns for Minnesotans than abortion. They highlight rising inflation, crime rates, and the border crisis as key issues for voters.
Trump Slams Harris, National Guard Deployment in Minnesota Rally
"People here are worried about putting food on the table and keeping their families safe," said Mary Jo Heins, a Trump supporter from Duluth. "Abortion is not a top priority for them."
Trump's campaign spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, reiterated the GOP nominee's support for state-level decisions on abortion policy. She also accused Harris of supporting extreme abortion policies and of failing to address the concerns of Minnesotans.
Trump Slams Harris, National Guard Deployment in Minnesota Rally
"Kamala Harris and Democrats are radically out of touch with their support for abortion up until birth and even after birth," Leavitt said. "They are weak, failed, and dangerously liberal."
Democrats, on the other hand, have sought to use abortion rights as a wedge issue against Republicans. Flanagan's invitation to Iowan women and Harris's support for abortion access have been key elements of their strategy.
"Women's reproductive freedom is under attack across the country, and we will not stand for it," said Minnesota Democratic Party Chair Ken Martin. "Republicans like Trump and Vance are out of step with Minnesotans on this issue."
Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), has faced criticism for his past comments on abortion. In a resurfaced podcast interview, Vance floated the idea of federal penalties for abortion-related travel. However, he has since softened that view, acknowledging the need for exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.
The race for Minnesota's electoral votes is expected to be competitive in 2024. As the campaign progresses, both Trump and Harris will likely continue to focus on abortion rights and other key issues that resonate with voters in the state.
