Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, took to his Truth Social platform on Thursday night to post live reactions to Vice President Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Harris, who took the stage in Chicago at around 10:30 p.m., officially accepted the Democratic nomination nearly a month after entering the presidential race following President Joe Biden’s exit.
“I want you to know I promise to be a president for all Americans,” Harris declared. “You can always trust me to put country above party and self. To hold sacred America’s fundamental principles from the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power”, told AP News.
Throughout Harris’ approximately 30-minute speech, Trump posted on Truth Social 37 times, offering real-time commentary. Before Harris even began, Trump told his followers, “Getting ready to be fair but critical of Comrade Kamala Harris. My Play by Play will be on TRUTH Social, starting SOON!”
As Harris approached the podium, Trump immediately criticized her, commenting, “too many ‘Thank yous,’ too rapidly said, what’s going on with her?” He also posted in all caps, “WHERE’S HUNTER?”, referencing Biden’s son, and later remarked on her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, saying, “was an ASSISTANT Coach, not a COACH.”
Trump’s critiques continued throughout the speech, particularly focusing on Harris’ remarks about her upbringing and legal career. He posted, “A lot of talk about childhood, we’ve got to get to the Border, Inflation, and Crime!” As Harris spoke about her role in upholding the rule of law, Trump countered, “She talked about the Rule of Law but, as Border Czar, she allowed 20 Million people into our Country, many of them Criminals, who are MAIMING and KILLING our people!”
Despite Harris never officially holding the title of “border czar,” Trump and other Republicans have frequently labeled her as such in their criticisms. Harris also blamed Trump for the collapse of a bipartisan border bill earlier this year, which she claimed was the “strongest border bill in decades.”
Responding to Harris’ speech, Trump questioned her actions during her vice presidency, posting, “Why didn’t she do something about the things of which she complains?” He also criticized her for not addressing issues sooner, saying, “She said, ‘Chart a new way forward,’ but she’s had three and a half years, and has done nothing but HARM!”
Harris warned during her speech about the potential “power” Trump would wield if re-elected, particularly after the Supreme Court’s controversial ruling on presidential immunity. She also blamed Trump for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which ended federal protection of abortion rights—a decision Trump has taken credit for due to his Supreme Court appointments.
Trump defended his role in the ruling, writing, “Everybody, Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, and Conservatives, wanted Roe v. Wade TERMINATED, and brought back to the States.” He added, “Like Ronald Reagan and myself, most believe in EXCEPTIONS,” emphasizing his stance on state-level decisions regarding abortion rights.
Trump also criticized Harris’ immigration policies, claiming, “SHE WON’T [keep women safe], BECAUSE THE INVASION OF OUR COUNTRY AT HER OPEN BORDER IS DESTROYING THE LIVES OF WOMEN, AND THE FAMILIES AND JOBS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS AND HISPANICS.”
In a phone interview with Fox News after the speech, Trump reiterated his criticisms, questioning why Harris hadn’t taken action during her time in office. He concluded, “She could have done all of these things, and she could still do them. She’s got four and a half five months left.”
Earlier that evening, Trump had also criticized Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, mocking her past claims of Native American heritage. Warren, who spoke in support of Harris, described the difference between Trump and Harris as “the difference between a criminal and prosecutor.”