Former President Donald Trump held a press conference on Thursday at his Bedminster, New Jersey property, during which he directed pointed criticisms at Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee.

In his second press conference this month, Trump focused heavily on the economic challenges facing the country under the Biden-Harris administration and the Democratic candidate's reluctance to engage with the press, as Fox News reports.

He accused Harris of being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Americans, particularly regarding rising costs and inflation.

Trump noted that Harris, who has been the Democratic presumptive presidential nominee for 25 days, has yet to hold a press conference or sit-down interview. He questioned her commitment to addressing key issues, such as inflation, which she has named a "Day One priority."

Trump Criticizes Harris's Leadership and Economic Policies

During the press conference, Trump criticized Harris for her handling of the economy, specifically her approach to inflation. He argued that Harris has had ample time to address these issues during her tenure as vice president but has failed to do so.

"Harris has just declared that tackling inflation will be a ‘Day One priority’ for her," Trump said. "But Day One for Kamala was three and a half years ago."

Trump continued, "Where has she been and why hasn't she done it? Why hasn't she done it?" He asserted that the administration is "hiding her no different than him," referring to President Biden, and described Harris as "grossly incompetent."

Trump Defends Personal Attacks Amid Adviser Warnings

Trump also addressed questions about his personal attacks on Harris, which his advisers have reportedly urged him to minimize. Despite their concerns, Trump defended his stance, arguing that his criticism of Harris is justified given what he perceives as her failures in office.

"Because of what she’s done to the country, I'm very angry at her -- that she had weaponized the justice system against me and other people. Very angry at her," Trump said. He added, "I don't have a lot of respect for her. I don't have a lot of respect for her intelligence. And I think she'd be a terrible president."

Trump's remarks also extended to Harris's running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whom he criticized for policies he believes are detrimental to the country. Trump expressed disbelief over policies like the one that allows tampons in boys' bathrooms in Minnesota, questioning, "What's wrong with us as a country?"

Legal Challenges Mentioned Amid Campaign Focus

During the press conference, Trump also touched on his ongoing legal challenges, though he downplayed their impact on his campaign. He emphasized his desire for the country to succeed, even as he continues his efforts to return to the White House.

"If our country were run by Democrats and it was run beautifully, where we were really being productive and everything else, I would have never done this," Trump stated. "I think I can win, I think I can win easily once they're exposed for what they are, which is, you know, radical left lunatics. And that's what they are."

Trump's rhetoric was met with a response from the Harris campaign, which released a mocking email advisory before the press conference. Harris campaign spokesperson James Singer criticized Trump's agenda, calling it "toxic" and accusing him of offering "insults and higher prices to the middle class."

Trump's Press Conference Followed by Harris Campaign Response

The press conference concluded with Trump reflecting on an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, attributing his survival to divine intervention. "That was a miracle. God has something to do with it," Trump said.

In response to the press conference, Singer reiterated the Harris campaign's stance, stating, "Donald Trump can talk to whoever he wants, but he can't explain away his toxic Project 2025 agenda, speak in coherent thoughts, or offer anything but insults and higher prices to the middle class."

The exchange highlighted the stark contrast between the two campaigns as they continue to prepare for the upcoming election. While Trump remains vocal and visible, Harris's relative silence continues to draw criticism from her opponents.

Conclusion

Trump's Bedminster press conference served as a platform for him to express his dissatisfaction with Vice President Kamala Harris's policies and leadership.

Despite calls from his advisers to avoid personal attacks, Trump defended his criticism of Harris, arguing that her approach to the economy and other issues would harm the country.

The Harris campaign responded with a sharp rebuke, setting the stage for what is likely to be a contentious election season.