Trump immigration reform/ Kamala Harris border policies/ Trump Mar-a-Lago speech/ immigration election issue/ Newslooks/ FLORIDA/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump emphasized immigration reform as the “single biggest issue” of his campaign, blaming Kamala Harris and Democrats for the border crisis. He criticized Harris’s policies, alleging they have led to “destruction and death” and outlined his platform as a “plan to save America.”
Trump Doubles Down on Immigration Reform in Final Week: Key Takeaways
- Core Campaign Focus: Trump labels immigration reform as the top issue, calling border challenges “the single biggest issue.”
- Criticism of Harris: Trump claims Harris’s policies have damaged U.S. “fabric” and fostered a “campaign of hate.”
- Emotional Appeal: Trump plays video of a grieving mother of a Texas child, allegedly murdered by migrants, to highlight immigration issues.
- Campaign Stops: After Mar-a-Lago, Trump heads to Pennsylvania for multiple events, including a rally in Allentown.
- Economy Critique: Trump labeled any economic improvements under Harris as “fake,” saying gains were only due to optimism about his potential return.
- Wall Street Source: He cited a “respected Wall Street figure,” suggesting the economy seems strong because “people think Trump is going to get elected.”
- Compensation Fund Proposal: Trump introduced a plan to create a “compensation fund” for victims of migrant-related crimes.
- Seizure of Assets: He stated he would fund the compensation by seizing assets from criminal gangs and drug cartels.
- Midwest Migrant Concerns: Trump criticized federal authorities for allegedly transporting migrants to cities like Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio.
Trump Calls Immigration Reform ‘Single Biggest Issue’ of His Campaign
Deep Look
One week before Election Day, former President Donald Trump centered immigration reform as the cornerstone of his campaign, calling it “the single biggest issue” facing the United States. Speaking to supporters from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump stated that although topics like inflation and the economy are pressing, “there’s nothing more important than the fabric of our country being destroyed” due to border-related issues.
Trump, who has made border security a central theme in both his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, has been quick to blame his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, for the current state of immigration and the challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border. He described the border as “obliterated” under Harris’s policies and alleged that her actions are causing “destruction and death at home and abroad.”
Emotional Appeal to Highlight Border Issues
During his remarks, Trump played a video featuring Alexis Nungaray, the mother of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, a Texas girl who was recently found dead in a creek near her home. Authorities have charged two Venezuelan men who entered the U.S. illegally with the young girl’s murder. In the video, Nungaray’s mother expressed her pain and frustration, claiming that her daughter is “six feet in the ground” due to Harris’s border policies. Trump used this tragedy as a stark example of what he describes as the consequences of a “broken” immigration system and vowed to make immigration reform a priority if elected.
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago speech set the tone for the final days of his campaign, using personal stories from families affected by border violence to underscore his criticisms of Harris’s policies. He shared the stage with three people who he said would later speak about how Harris’s policies have “shattered their lives,” though he did not initially identify them.
Accusations Against Harris and “Campaign of Hate”
Trump’s criticisms extended beyond immigration. He accused Harris of running a “campaign of destruction” and “absolute hate” and suggested that her rhetoric, especially around issues like authoritarianism, was intended to cover up her own record. According to Trump, Harris’s repeated references to authoritarian regimes and “talking about Hitler and Nazis” were meant to deflect from what he called her “horrible record.”
“She has caused so much damage,” Trump said, alleging that Harris’s policies are prolonging suffering both in the U.S. and internationally. He told supporters that Harris and the Democrats are “perhaps even trying to destroy our country” and reiterated accusations that they “stole the presidency” by replacing Biden on the ticket.
Rallying Supporters in Pennsylvania
After his appearance in Florida, Trump planned to fly to Pennsylvania for a series of campaign events. These include a “Building America’s Future” gathering in Drexel and a rally in Allentown, where he hopes to galvanize supporters in this critical battleground state. During his remarks at Mar-a-Lago, Trump hinted at “bad spots in Pennsylvania,” referencing alleged irregularities, which he claims his team is currently investigating.
Upon his arrival, Trump was greeted with cheers and a show of cellphones raised to record his entrance. The scene was set with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” a frequent fixture of Trump’s rallies, playing just before he took the stage.
In his speech, Trump reiterated that things were “going very well” overall for his campaign. However, he warned of “serious things” happening in Pennsylvania, a state he has repeatedly identified as crucial for a Republican victory in November.
Immigration and Trump’s Plan to “Save America”
Calling himself the only candidate with a “plan to save America,” Trump argued that his policies would secure the nation’s future. He accused the Democrats of running on a platform that is not only divisive but detrimental to American stability. Trump’s rhetoric about the “fabric” of the nation being destroyed reflects his long-standing theme that immigration reform is necessary for preserving U.S. values and security.
In a final appeal to voters, Trump cast his campaign as a choice between safeguarding America or allowing Harris and the Democrats to erode its foundations. He urged Americans to vote to protect the nation’s sovereignty, economy, and social stability by ensuring stricter border control and reversing policies that he claims have contributed to crime, unrest, and instability.
Trump Claims Any Economic Gains Under Harris Were ‘Fake’
Trump dismissed any economic improvements during Kamala Harris’s time in office as “fake.” He alleged that any positive data was simply a reaction to “people thinking Trump is going to get elected.” He cited “one of the most respected people on Wall Street” to back his claim that the economy’s strength is largely tied to anticipation of his return to office.
Trump Pledges ‘Compensation Fund’ for Victims of Migrant Crime
As part of his campaign platform, Trump pledged to create a “compensation fund” for victims of crimes committed by migrants. Trump condemned federal authorities for allegedly transporting large numbers of migrants to Midwest cities like Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio. Announcing the proposal for the first time, Trump said he would, if elected, seize assets from criminal gangs and drug cartels to finance the fund, aiming to provide restitution for those affected by migrant crime.
