On Sunday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg attempted to deflect criticism aimed at Vice President Kamala Harris by shifting focus to former President Donald Trump. During his appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Buttigieg suggested that voters are increasingly concerned about Trump’s age and cognitive sharpness, especially with him running against a significantly younger challenger.
The discussion heated up when Buttigieg was questioned by host Shannon Bream about Harris’s silence regarding President Joe Biden’s age and mental fitness before he withdrew from the race. Buttigieg argued that Trump’s advanced age and questionable mental acuity are now central issues in the election. “People are rightfully worried about Donald Trump’s age and his mental sharpness when compared to Kamala Harris, who is notably younger,” he said. “Given his recent public appearances and the incoherent statements he has made, it’s hard not to be concerned.”
Buttigieg praised Biden’s decision to step down, asserting that Republicans are now left with an aging candidate in Trump. “We’ve witnessed how Biden has aged over the past decade, but Republicans seem to be in denial about Trump’s decline,” he remarked. “Despite his struggles with basic facts and bizarre statements, his supporters continue to portray him as if he were in peak condition.”
He added, “It’s almost as if they believe Trump can do anything, like leaping tall buildings or being as resilient as an ox. Such unrealistic perceptions are not shared by us.”
Buttigieg, who is rumored to be on Harris’s shortlist for a vice presidential candidate, has become a prominent defender of her campaign. The Democratic Party has rallied behind Harris, who has amassed sufficient delegate support to secure the nomination. Her campaign has also shattered fundraising records, compensating for a late start.
In response, the Trump campaign criticized Buttigieg’s comments. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt argued, “The issue isn’t age; it’s about competence. Kamala Harris has demonstrated the same level of ineffectiveness as Joe Biden. President Trump, on the other hand, continues to show remarkable strength and resilience, proven by his tireless work ethic and the challenges he has overcome. The American people trust Trump to restore greatness to our country.”