What was she thinking?
Former President Donald Trump raised eyebrows this week by criticizing a photograph of Vice President Kamala Harris that was shared on her official X account. Trump alleged that the image, which depicts Harris supposedly engaged in a briefing about Hurricane Helene, was “staged” and “fake,” highlighting a glaring detail: her earbuds appeared not to be plugged into her phone.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted, “Another FAKE and STAGED photo from someone who has no clue what she is doing. You have to plug the cord into the phone for it to work!” His comments sparked a lively conversation on social media, drawing attention to the seemingly amateurish nature of the photo.
LOOK:
I was just briefed by @FEMA_Deanne Criswell on the latest developments about the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene. We also discussed our Administration's continued actions to support emergency response and recovery.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 30, 2024
I also spoke with @NC_Governor Cooper about the ongoing… pic.twitter.com/nlZPB0h3mO
The image shows Harris in a contemplative pose, seemingly taking notes while on Air Force Two, as she commented on the administration’s response to Hurricane Helene, which has devastated parts of the southeastern United States. “I was just briefed by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on the latest developments,” she stated. “Our Administration will continue to stay in constant contact with state and local officials to ensure communities have the support and resources they need.”
However, critics were quick to point out the inconsistencies in the photograph. Conservative commentator Mollie Hemingway noted the absurdity of the scene, remarking on Harris’s apparent pretense of being engaged while failing to plug in her earbuds and scribbling on what appeared to be a blank sheet of paper. “This has to be the the most VEEP-like pic ever— acting like she is on a phone call but totally forgetting to plug in the old earphones,” she quipped.
Republican Rep. Andy Biggs echoed the sentiment, stating, “Border Czar Kamala can’t miss a photo op. The photographer should make sure the headphones are plugged into the phone next time.” Meanwhile, Republican communicator Matt Whitlock sarcastically remarked, “Thank God she is pretending to write something on a blank piece of paper from the plane while running for the presidency. I’m sure the people who don’t power and water feel totally protected.”
As Harris continues to make headlines, she has not visited the affected states, which have seen devastating losses since Hurricane Helene made landfall. In contrast, Trump toured damage in Valdosta, Georgia, and interacted with residents, pledging to deliver relief supplies including gasoline.
In his closing remarks on Truth Social, Trump criticized the Biden-Harris administration, stating, “Biden and Kamala left Americans stranded in Afghanistan. They sacrificed innocent Americans to an Open Border, and now, they are leaving Americans to drown in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, and everywhere in the South.” He concluded, “Under this Biden-Kamala Administration, U.S. citizens always come last because we have ‘leaders’ who don’t know how to lead!”
This ongoing exchange underscores a critical narrative among Republicans: the importance of genuine leadership during crises, contrasted sharply with perceived theatrics in the current administration.