Trump escalates personal attacks on Harris, claims he’s ‘much better looking’

Former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump has once again stirred up a controversy with personal attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump commented on Vice President Kamala Harris’ appearance, despite pressure from GOP allies to concentrate on policy issues instead of personal attacks.

During a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Saturday (August 17), Trump deviated from his prepared speech to draw a comparison between his appearance and that of the Democratic presidential nominee.

"I say that I am much better looking. I'm a better-looking person than Kamala," said Trump.

Trump was apparently reacting to a Wall Street Journal column that mentioned Harris’s appearance as a political strength. He also claimed he mistook a Time Magazine cover illustration of Harris for actresses Sophia Loren or Elizabeth Taylor.

“You’re not allowed to say this anymore. You know, David, don’t ever get caught in this trap,” Trump advised Republican Senate candidate David McCormick, who was in the audience. “David, please don’t ever call a woman beautiful, because that will be the end of your political career.”

Social media users mocked Trump for focusing on personal insults. This is not the first time the Republican nominee has directed personal attacks at Harris.

Trump has often referred to Harris as a "radical liberal" and called her by multiple names, including "Kamabla," "Lyin' Kamala," and "Laffin Kamala."

At a news conference held at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club, Trump defended his decision to criticise Harris on a personal level.

"I think I am entitled to personal attacks. I don't have a lot of respect for [Harris]. I don't have a lot of respect for her intelligence, and I think she'll be a terrible president," Trump said.

Trump tried to justify his stance by accusing Harris of using the justice system against him and others. He also claimed that Harris had called him "weird." However, it was actually her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who initially described Republican policies as "weird" in late July.

(With inputs from agencies)