“He’s Ripping Away Our Freedoms”: Josh Shapiro Mocks Trump’s Flag-Hugging at Harris Rally
Mark Makela / MCT
Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania attorney general and a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, earned laughs on social media as he took a jab at Donald Trump’s “weird” practice of flag-hugging.
Speaking at a rally for Harris on Monday evening, Shapiro asked the audience, “You ever see this guy? Like when he’s on stage?” “He kind of meanders over,” Shapiro continued, imitating Trump’s gait and raised arms. “And he goes over to the flag and hugs it — I mean I love the flag — but it’s a weird thing he does, right?!”
As the crowd laughed, Shapiro pressed on with his critique of Trump. “But while he’s hugging the flag, you know what he’s doing? He’s ripping away our freedoms! That’s what he’s all about. Because here’s what I know. It’s not freedom to tell our children what books they’re allowed to read. That’s not freedom. It is not freedom to tell people they can go to work but they can’t join a union.
That’s not freedom! It is not freedom to tell women what they’re allowed to do with their bodies. That’s not freedom!” Shapiro’s fiery speech earned cheers from supporters and sparked a lively reaction on social media. “Dammit guys, we gotta pick Shapiro,” wrote @acnewsitics on X.
“Democrats have a deep bench, but Harris-Shapiro would be a very sharp, decisive ticket,” said @BettyBowers. “The contrast to the meandering weirdness of Trump-Vance would be striking.”
“He’s very good at this,” commented @AreMond2. “He’s the best choice & would make a great president in 8 years too!” exclaimed @thereal_truthe. “He’s making a very strong case here to be our next VP,” said @CrazyFenaker. “I like the message and the enthusiasm and skill with which he delivers it.”
“Trump is totally weird,” added @thegreatgig8, attaching a graphic of Trump appearing to caress an American flag. Shapiro’s sharp critique of Trump’s flag-hugging, coupled with his passionate defense of personal freedoms, resonated strongly with the crowd and online supporters.
His ability to energize the audience and articulate a clear, compelling message positions him as a strong contender for the Democratic ticket alongside Harris. The reaction underscores the contrast between Shapiro’s direct, freedom-focused rhetoric and Trump’s controversial, performative displays.
