Trump, Vance's change in tone toward immigrants worries Republicans: 'It undermines our message'

A sudden change in campaign strategy by Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, has sparked concern and frustration among some Republicans ahead of the election. Initially, the campaign focused on moderate Republicans and independent voters who were hesitant to run for president again under Trump.

However, the campaign took a sharp turn toward an anti-immigrant message, particularly targeting Haitian immigrants in Ohio, which drew criticism from within the party and beyond. According to a report by Politico’s Mia McCarthy and Meredith Lee Hill, the original plan was for Vance to help court moderate voters after the Republican National Convention.

At first, Vance appeared on a wide range of media outlets, speaking to both liberal and conservative anchors, and appearing on “all five Sunday shows” to expand his audience. But the tone of the campaign has shifted dramatically, with the focus now on inflammatory rhetoric about immigration, which many Republicans see as a distraction from key issues like the economy.

The immigrant-bashing strategy focused on unverified allegations that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were eating pets, a narrative supported by both Vance and Trump. The shift not only derailed the campaign’s initial plan, but also sparked a backlash from lawmakers and Republican Party strategists who worry about its long-term impact.

According to Politico, the shift has “alarmed some Republicans who want the campaign to focus on their opponent Harris and the state of the economy, a major issue for both parties heading into November.” GOP strategist Ryan Horn expressed frustration: “They need to get their heads out of their ass and focus on swing voters. And stop paying attention to what their base is saying online.”

A Republican Senate aide echoed similar concerns, noting that the change “certainly undermines our message.” The campaign’s emphasis on denouncing immigrants, particularly around unverified stories of Haitian immigrants stealing geese in Ohio, has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.

As Politico explains, Vance’s initial media strategy was designed to appeal to swing voters by drawing a contrast between the Trump and Harris campaigns. However, as pet-eating accusations have gained traction, particularly after Trump brought them up during a debate, many Republicans see the focus on these narratives as a harmful distraction.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) even urged his colleagues to avoid “spreading baseless theories and allegations based on Facebook posts.” Despite these warnings, Vance and his allies have continued to push the allegations, the conservative outlet The Federalist Unverified videos and police audio recordings have been presented as alleged evidence. The shift in focus has left many in the GOP worried about the long-term consequences as the election approaches.