Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris on Monday sharply criticized Donald Trump for his recent comments describing an “enemy from within” the United States and hinting at using military force domestically. In a direct effort to frame the former president as a threat to democracy, Harris took aim at Trump’s alarming rhetoric during a rally in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.
During her event, the U.S. vice president played a clip of Trump telling supporters, “those people are more dangerous—the enemy from within—than Russia.”
The Democratic Presidential candidate used the clip to emphasize her concerns about Trump’s growing hostility toward fellow Americans, particularly those who disagree with him.
“A second Trump term would pose a grave risk to America,” Harris warned the Erie crowd. “Donald Trump is increasingly unstable and unhinged,” she said, arguing that his views are a danger because he sees those who challenge him as enemies.
Trump has recently intensified his use of phrases like “enemy from within” in his rally speeches, raising concerns about his intentions. When asked in a Fox News interview whether he anticipated chaos on Election Day, Trump hinted at the possibility of deploying the military against American citizens, stating, “It should be very easily handled by, if necessary, the National Guard, or if really necessary, the military.”
Despite his remarks, Trump would have no authority to command military forces on Election Day as he is no longer president. His campaign has not responded to Harris’ comments.
Harris’ rally in Pennsylvania marked her 10th visit to the state since becoming the Democratic nominee, highlighting its critical importance in the election. With 19 electoral college votes up for grabs, Pennsylvania could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
During her visit, Harris met with Black community leaders at a local coffee shop in Erie, with her campaign focusing on shoring up support among Black voters, especially Black men, as recent polls show slipping enthusiasm for her candidacy.
A September NAACP poll revealed that over a quarter of young Black men are considering voting for Trump, raising concerns among Democrats.
In response, Harris unveiled new policy proposals aimed at supporting Black men, including forgivable small business loans, expanding access to legal recreational marijuana for Black entrepreneurs, and improving healthcare initiatives targeting diseases that disproportionately affect Black communities, such as sickle cell anemia.
The policy announcements are part of Harris’ strategy to directly engage Black voters in the final stretch of the campaign. If elected, she would become the second Black president, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to hold the office.
Harris’ efforts to court Black voters will continue as she is scheduled to be interviewed by Charlamagne tha God, a popular radio host with a large following among Black millennials.
