Former President Donald Trump has intensified his criticisms of Vice President Kamala Harris, leading to a sharp rebuke from the White House.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned Trump’s comments as “gross” and “disturbing” during a press briefing on Friday, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Jean-Pierre's remarks came in response to Trump's recent series of attacks on Harris, which followed President Joe Biden's lackluster debate performance. The press secretary underscored the gravity of a former president's disrespect towards a sitting vice president, describing it as "appalling."

Trump's Attacks on Harris

Trump took to Truth Social on Thursday, referring to Harris derisively as “Laffin’ Kamala Harris.”

He further criticized her performance in the Democratic Nominating process, claiming she did poorly and dropped out before the Iowa caucuses. His comments didn't stop there; a clip circulating on social media showed Trump calling Harris “pathetic” and disparaging Biden as well.

Trump’s attacks have not only focused on Harris but also speculated on Biden’s political future.

Some believe that Biden's debate performance might lead him to withdraw from the presidential race, potentially positioning Harris as the Democratic nominee. This speculation has added fuel to the scrutiny and criticism directed at the vice president.

White House Response

Jean-Pierre did not mince words in her response to Trump’s comments.

She described the former president's remarks as not only inappropriate but also deeply offensive. “I think it’s gross, I think it’s disturbing, and it’s not OK,” Jean-Pierre said. She emphasized the importance of respecting the office of the vice president, irrespective of political differences.

“It is appalling that a -- I’m going to be careful here -- that a former president is saying that about a current vice president, and we should call that out,” Jean-Pierre added, highlighting the unprecedented nature of such disrespect.

Polls and Public Opinion

Adding to the complexity of the situation is a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Tuesday, which showed Harris trailing Trump by a narrow margin in a hypothetical matchup. The poll indicated Harris with 42% of the vote compared to Trump's 43%, illustrating a highly competitive race should she become the Democratic nominee.

Despite the scrutiny and criticism, Harris has reiterated her support for Biden. On Wednesday, she publicly reaffirmed her commitment to the president and their administration’s goals. “We will not back down. We will follow our president’s lead. We will fight, and we will win,” Harris declared. She praised Biden's lifelong dedication to public service and rallied supporters to continue their efforts.

Context of the Attacks

Trump’s attacks on Harris come at a time of heightened political tension and speculation. Biden’s recent debate performance has led to questions about his re-election campaign and the possibility of Harris stepping into a more prominent role. This has made her a focal point of Republican criticism.

Jean-Pierre’s defense of Harris was robust, stressing the need for respect and decency in political discourse. “She should be respected in the role that she has as vice president. She should be respected like any other vice president before her who was in that role,” Jean-Pierre stated, reinforcing the administration’s stance on the matter.

Conclusion

In summary, the White House has condemned former President Trump’s derogatory remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris, calling them gross and disturbing.

Trump’s comments, which included calling Harris “pathetic” and speculating on her potential candidacy, have drawn sharp criticism from the Biden administration. Amidst this controversy, Harris continues to support Biden, emphasizing their commitment to their administration’s goals and principles.

The political landscape remains charged, with polls showing a tight race between Harris and Trump in a hypothetical matchup. As the discourse unfolds, the call for respect and decency in political dialogue remains a central theme from the White House.

In conclusion, the attacks on Harris, the White House’s firm response, and the ongoing political speculation highlight the intense dynamics of the current political climate. The administration’s defense of Harris underscores the importance of maintaining respect for public office amidst partisan critiques.