Social media is buzzing with claims that Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Pennsylvania as North Carolina during a rally held in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign seized on this moment, questioning Trump’s mental acuity.
During his speech at an 8,000-seat arena, Trump explained why he speaks for extended periods, saying it’s only fair to the supporters who camp out for days to see him. He remarked, “How would you like it? A guy is waiting with his family for three days… And I walk in, speak for 15 minutes and leave. Would that be okay, North Carolina? I don’t think so,” seemingly confusing the two states.
The Harris campaign quickly responded, sharing a clip on X (formerly Twitter) with the simple note: “He’s in Pennsylvania.”
Spokesperson Sarafina Chitika also weighed in, questioning Trump’s well-being, while campaign director Parker Butler described him as “lost and confused.” Journalist Laura Bassett humorously remarked that Pennsylvania isn’t vital for Trump to win.
Despite the chatter, some Trump supporters argued he wasn’t confused, claiming he was speaking to an audience from North Carolina who were at the rally. Reporter Julia Manchester confirmed that Trump did greet a group from North Carolina earlier in the speech and was aware he was in Pennsylvania when he opened with “I really give a very big hello to Pennsylvania, it’s great to be back.”
Concerns surrounding Trump’s age—78—and mental fitness have resurfaced, especially with President Biden recently dropping out of the 2024 race due to similar worries. If Trump were to win, he would be 82 by his second term’s end, while Harris is 59. Given Biden’s withdrawal, it’s logical for the Democrats to target Trump’s cognitive abilities.
This scrutiny comes in light of Trump’s tendency to go off script and deliver lengthy addresses at rallies. In response to skeptics, he insisted to the crowd on Saturday, “I don’t ramble. I’m a really smart guy.”