Former President Donald Trump, speaking at a rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on Friday night, doubled down on his use of harsh language, despite pleas from his wife, Melania Trump, and evangelical leader Rev. Franklin Graham to tone things down.

Trump dismissed his wife's requests to avoid foul language, arguing that certain words are irreplaceable in conveying his message about Harris effectively, as the Independent reports.

During his speech, Trump harshly criticized Harris, stating that “everything she touches turns to ‘s**t.’”

He went on to accuse her of lacking common sense, claiming that her actions consistently result in failure. Trump’s comments about Harris, the first female vice president of the United States, were met with applause from the rally’s attendees, despite the controversial language.

Melania and Graham Urge Trump to Clean Up His Language

Prior to the rally, both Melania Trump and Graham had urged the former president to refrain from using foul language during his speeches.

Graham, a prominent evangelical figure and long-time supporter of Trump, expressed his concerns in a letter. In the letter, Graham praised Trump’s rally speeches but advised him that they would be “even better if you didn’t use foul language.”

Trump, however, was unmoved by these requests. During the rally, he acknowledged Graham’s advice, even quoting the letter: “Sir, I love your stories, and I love listening to your rallies, but could you please don’t use foul language?” Trump then added his own commentary, stating, “But there’s an example. It’s not really that bad a word, but how can you top that word for what I’m talking about? Right? What word?”

Trump on Language: “It’s Hard to Avoid”

Melania Trump also reportedly asked her husband to avoid using expletives in his public addresses. Trump mentioned her request during the rally, saying, “My wife also, she says, ‘Please don’t use foul language.’” Despite her plea, Trump defended his choice of words, suggesting that some terms are irreplaceable for the impact he intends to make.

Trump’s frequent use of expletives has become a hallmark of his speeches, particularly in the 2024 campaign. He argued that certain words resonate strongly with his audience and effectively convey his disdain for his political opponents.

At the rally, Trump questioned whether a different choice of words would have the same effect, implying that milder language would fall flat.

Harris Reflects on Her Heritage Amidst Criticism

Amid the criticism from Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris has continued to make public appearances of her own.

In May, Harris spoke at a summit where she discussed her mixed Black and Indian heritage, addressing the complexities of identity and representation. Harris acknowledged the challenges she has faced, stating, “We have to know that sometimes, people will open the door for you and leave it open, sometimes they won’t.”

Despite the harsh words from Trump, Harris has said she intends to keep her focus on her role as vice president, continuing to work on key initiatives such as voting rights and public health.

A Divisive Campaign Rhetoric

Trump’s comments at the rally reflect a broader trend in the 2024 campaign, where divisive rhetoric and personal attacks have become commonplace. The former president’s refusal to moderate his language, despite requests from close allies, signals his intent to continue using provocative language as a central part of his campaign strategy.

The use of expletives in political speeches, while controversial, has resonated with Trump’s base, who view it as a sign of authenticity and directness. However, it has also drawn criticism from opponents who argue that such language is inappropriate for public discourse, particularly from a former president.

Conclusion

In summary, former President Donald Trump’s recent rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was marked by sharp criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris and a defense of his use of harsh language.

Despite pleas from his wife, Melania Trump, and Rev. Franklin Graham to avoid foul language, Trump insisted that certain words are essential to his message.

As the 2024 campaign progresses, Trump’s rhetoric continues to divide opinions, with his supporters praising his authenticity while critics decry the tone of his public addresses.