A new report from The New York Times reveals that former President Donald Trump used an offensive slur against Vice President Kamala Harris during a dinner with high-profile donors at Trump Tower last month.
According to sources, Trump reportedly called Harris “retarded” and expressed frustration over Jewish voters supporting her, instead of backing him in the upcoming presidential race. These comments have added to concerns about Trump’s behavior as he campaigns for a potential return to the White House.
The report, which cites seven anonymous attendees, details a night at Trump Tower attended by influential figures, including billionaire hedge fund manager Paul Singer, investment banker Warren Stephens, and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
Trump reportedly used the occasion to berate Jewish voters for their support of Harris, suggesting that they needed “their heads examined” for not standing with him despite his strong backing of Israel.
Trump has previously blamed Jewish voters for his past electoral setbacks, claiming that they fail to recognize his contributions to Israel.
During the dinner, Trump also encouraged his donors to increase their support, emphasizing his past efforts to provide tax breaks that have benefitted many of them.
According to The New York Times, Trump insinuated that they owed him for the financial policies he implemented during his presidency. The former president’s comments reportedly aimed to bolster his campaign by underscoring his pro-business agenda and the tax relief his administration provided to wealthy individuals and corporations.
This dinner marks one of several recent events where Trump’s remarks have raised eyebrows. Just a few days prior, he gave a meandering speech in Detroit where he criticized the city and implied that the entire country could face a similar fate if Harris were elected president.
“Our whole country will end up being like Detroit if she’s your president. You’re going to have a mess on your hands,” he said. His comments came off as particularly jarring given that he was addressing an audience in Michigan, a state he needs to win for a successful presidential bid.
Trump’s dinner remarks also seem to reflect a growing sense of urgency in his campaign. He reportedly conveyed disappointment over the level of financial support he has received, particularly when compared to Harris’s success in fundraising.
On the same day as Trump’s dinner, Harris held an event in Los Angeles, where she raised $28 million. The contrast between the two events highlights Trump’s frustration with his campaign’s financial backing as he prepares for the final stretch of the race.
These recent events underscore Trump’s increasingly combative and erratic behavior. His targeting of specific voter groups, such as Jewish supporters of Harris, has sparked concern among observers who see it as part of a broader pattern of divisive rhetoric.
His choice of words about Harris, as well as his criticism of Detroit, have only added to these concerns, with many questioning how his tone and approach may influence the outcome of the election.
As Trump continues his campaign, his comments have amplified existing tensions and raised questions about his strategy. His attacks on Harris and critical remarks about certain voter demographics reflect a confrontational style that appeals to his base but risks alienating other voters.
While his focus on economic issues and his tax policies aims to shore up support among wealthy donors, the impact of his remarks on the broader electorate remains to be seen.
The upcoming election could prove crucial, and Trump’s approach highlights his determination to secure a second term. However, his language and tactics may also prove to be a double-edged sword, potentially limiting his appeal beyond his core supporters.
As the race heats up, his comments and behavior are likely to be scrutinized even further, with voters and analysts watching closely to see how they affect his campaign.
