Trump Reflects on Violence Against Reporters and Regrets Leaving White House After 2020 Election

Donald Trump delivered a speech filled with conspiracies and profanity just two days before the presidential election. He suggested he "shouldn't have left" the White House after losing to Joe Biden in 2020. His remarks on Sunday deviated from his usual campaign speeches, as he questioned the integrity of the vote and revisited past grievances about being prosecuted for trying to overturn his defeat.

Trump criticised the national leadership and media, describing them as "grossly incompetent." During his Pennsylvania rally, he discussed violence against journalists. Referring to ballistic glass used for protection, he said, "I have this piece of glass here. But all we have really over here is the fake news. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I don't mind that so much."

Trump's Controversial Remarks

This was the second recent instance where Trump mentioned guns aimed at those he considers adversaries. He previously suggested that former Rep. Liz Cheney wouldn't support foreign wars if faced with "nine barrels shooting at her." With less than 48 hours until Election Day, Trump continued promoting falsehoods about elections, claiming he could only lose to Kamala Harris if cheated, despite polls indicating a close race.

Some of Trump's allies, including Steve Bannon, urged him to declare victory prematurely on Tuesday, even if results were uncertain. This mirrors his actions four years ago, which led to contesting election results and culminated in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. His campaign later clarified his comments about the media. Steven Cheung stated, "President Trump was brilliantly talking about the two assassination attempts on his own life."

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris addressed a Michigan church congregation on Sunday, emphasising unity and healing division. She stated that God offers America a "divine plan strong enough to heal division." As the campaign neared its end, Harris urged voters to reject "chaos, fear and hate." She focused on Michigan, speaking at Detroit's Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ.

Harris's Message of Unity

Harris highlighted faith in action and quoted Jeremiah from the Old Testament. She expressed hope for a nation ready to move beyond hate and division. Without mentioning Trump directly, she spoke against those who deepen division and spread fear. Harris concluded her remarks in about 11 minutes while Trump delivered a lengthy speech in Pennsylvania.

Trump's speech outside Lancaster airport was marked by tangents and lacked his usual focus on topics like the economy and immigration. He insulted John Bolton, his former national security adviser, calling him a "dumb son of a b—." Trump also repeated debunked voter fraud theories, claiming Democrats could only win by cheating.

Public polls show a tight race across battleground states crucial for the Electoral College outcome. Trump declared, "It's a crooked country," adding that they would "make it straight." Harris countered Trump's claims about U.S. elections by telling reporters that his comments aim to distract from America's free and fair elections.

Harris expressed confidence in the upcoming vote tally and encouraged voters not to be swayed by tactics suggesting their votes won't matter. She emphasised that good systems were in place during the 2020 election when Trump lost. As Election Day approached, both candidates presented starkly different visions for America's future amidst a highly competitive race.