Donald Trump’s recent rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania, left his campaign team grappling with the fallout, as allies worry that his inflammatory rhetoric may jeopardize his 2024 election chances. Trump’s speech on Sunday marked a dramatic intensification of both his refusal to accept the 2020 election results and his openly hostile remarks toward the press, stirring anxiety among even his closest supporters.
During the rally, Trump declared he “shouldn’t have left” the White House after the 2020 election and went as far as saying he “wouldn’t mind” if journalists took a bullet intended for him. These comments are seen as heightening Trump’s election denialism and his already combative stance on the media. According to CNN’s Kristen Holmes, Trump’s allies are frustrated, especially given Pennsylvania’s strategic importance. “I spoke to a number of allies who were completely exasperated,” Holmes reported, emphasizing that many of Trump’s inner circle see Pennsylvania as pivotal in securing a win.
Despite extensive efforts by his advisers to steer Trump’s focus back to the economy and inflation—issues they believe resonate more with voters—the former president’s language has only grown darker. Holmes shared insight from one of Trump’s allies who suggested he simply say, “Kamala broke it, and I’m going to fix it,” underscoring the inner circle’s preference for a message centered on policy and reform.
Trump’s allies feel that his rhetoric not only distracts from pressing voter concerns but may also alienate potential supporters. CNN’s Erin Burnett hosted a panel that delved into the campaign’s recent missteps. Jonah Goldberg, a political analyst, remarked that Trump’s penchant for sensational statements detracts from his core message, while New York Times podcast host Lulu Garcia-Navarro noted that the former president’s comments on the press were “not normal” and could hurt his campaign’s credibility. “I don’t know a single person who thinks this is a winning message,” Garcia-Navarro said.
Other political commentators echoed similar sentiments. Conservative analyst Shermichael Singleton noted that he had spoken to a range of Trump supporters, from grassroots activists to everyday voters, who were equally baffled by Trump’s approach. “It’s almost as if he doesn’t want to win,” Singleton observed, noting the loyalty of those who still voiced disapproval.
The rally and its fallout come amid troubling indicators for Trump’s campaign in Pennsylvania. Early voting numbers show more than 100,000 ballots have already been cast in the state, with a significant portion attributed to female voters—a demographic Trump has struggled to secure in past elections. Meanwhile, local GOP efforts in Scranton appear concentrated more on mobilizing poll watchers than expanding voter turnout, according to The Washington Post, a move that has some campaign insiders worried.
As Trump’s campaign navigates these challenges, his allies are urgently calling for a recalibration. However, with early voting well underway, the pressure is mounting for Trump to shift to a more voter-centric message that can help him reclaim ground in this crucial battleground state.
