Former President Donald Trump’s recent speech on the economy in North Carolina became a spectacle for an unexpected reason, according to Washington Post columnist Catherine Rampell. In a post on X, Rampell highlighted how Trump struggled to stay focused on the speech’s intended topic, leading to a series of off-topic rants that left many observers amused.
“Funniest part of Trump’s big ‘economy speech’ today was that he kept reminding himself aloud that he was supposed to be talking about the economy, but then immediately returned to rambling about tampons or San Francisco crime or whatever,” Rampell wrote, sharing an excerpt of Trump’s remarks.
At one point during the speech, Trump appeared to be wrestling with his own decision to veer off-script. “It’s important. They say it is the most important subject,” he said, acknowledging the significance of the economy. “I am not sure it is but they say it is. Inflation is the most important but that is part of the economy.” However, rather than sticking to the economic message, Trump quickly pivoted to an unrelated claim about Vice President Kamala Harris. “Kamala Harris wants to be in charge of the entire U.S. economy, but neither she nor her running mate — another beauty, isn’t he? He signed a bill. He wants tampons in boys’ bathrooms. I don’t think so.”
This statement echoed a frequent talking point among Republicans, though the claim about the menstrual products bill signed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is inaccurate. The bill does not mandate tampons in boys’ bathrooms, despite repeated assertions to the contrary.
As Trump delivered his meandering speech, his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), was holding an event in Michigan. Vance also faced challenges during his appearance, struggling to find local reporters to ask him questions and confusing the roles of the Secretaries of Agriculture and Commerce.
Trump’s North Carolina speech marked one of his few public appearances in recent weeks. His last rally prior to this event took place the previous week in Bozeman, Montana. As the 2024 campaign heats up, Trump’s ability to stay on message—or his tendency to stray from it—will likely continue to draw attention, especially as his team attempts to keep the focus on key issues like the economy.