Former President Donald Trump’s recent interview with Elon Musk covered various topics, from climate change and border security to foreign dictators and inflation. However, it was his peculiar remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris that caught the internet’s attention, particularly when he compared her to his wife, Melania Trump.
During the interview on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Trump claimed that Harris has received a “free ride” from the media so far. But what raised eyebrows was his unsolicited commentary on her appearance. “But I saw a picture of her in Time magazine today, she looks like the most beautiful actress ever to live,” Trump remarked. “It was a drawing. And actually, she looked very much like a great first lady: Melania.
She didn’t look like Camilla. That’s right. But of course, she’s a beautiful woman. So we’ll leave it at that.” The comment left many online cringing, with reactions ranging from bewilderment to outright mockery. Journalist Aaron Rupar shared the recording on X, dubbing it “weird stuff!” The unusual comparison and Trump’s focus on Harris’s appearance did not go unnoticed by others either.
Former FBI special agent and legal contributor Asha Rangappa weighed in, suggesting that Trump is both intimidated by and drawn to strong, intelligent women. “I KNEW IT. His brain is short-circuiting because she is attractive AND formidable. lol, he is toast,” Rangappa tweeted. She went on to add that Trump “recognizes and is slightly scared of — and in a weird way, craves the approval of — strong, intelligent women,” such as Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi. Rangappa also speculated about Trump’s possible “Mommy issues,” suggesting that he tends to equate attractive women with being “‘dumb’ or weak,” which allows him to “sexualize and exploit and dismiss” them.
The internet’s reaction included humorous takes as well. Kelsie Taggart, digital media director at the left-leaning American Bridge PAC, joked, “This is the point of the call where I say, ‘Well, it’s been great catching up Grandpa, but I’ve got to go.'” Meanwhile, Christopher Cadelago, Politico’s California bureau chief, questioned the bizarre nature of Trump’s comments, writing, “Donald Trump mentions this Time magazine cover, says Kamala Harris looks like an actress in the illustration and then says she looks like … his wife, Melania Trump. ???”
The Never-Trump account Republicans against Trump simply reacted with a baffled “What??” while Jessica Burbank, of the More Perfect Union podcast, laughed at the absurdity: “Trump basically just said the drawing of Kamala on Time magazine was hot and compared it to his wife Melania lol.” Trump’s comments, which were likely intended as a casual observation, ended up fueling widespread criticism and ridicule, adding yet another bizarre moment to his public appearances.