During the first 2024 presidential debate, President Donald Trump took a moment to joke about Vice President Kamala Harris’ shift on key policies, quipping that he might send her a “MAGA hat.” Trump pointed out that Harris has moved away from the positions she held during her 2019 campaign and is now embracing policies closer to his own.
“Everything she used to believe is out the window. She’s moving toward my way of thinking. I was going to send her a MAGA hat,” Trump said, drawing a laugh from Harris onstage. The comment came during a heated exchange between the two candidates.
Harris defended her stance during a CNN interview, claiming that her values have remained the same. She emphasized that her long-term goals—like addressing environmental issues and strengthening border security—have been consistent throughout her time in public office.
Throughout the debate, which was moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC, Trump repeatedly pressed Harris on her record as vice president, asking why she hasn’t delivered on major issues. “Why hasn’t she done it?” Trump asked, referring to promises Harris has made in her campaign, particularly on border security and job creation.
The debate featured a number of pointed exchanges between Trump and Harris, with both candidates attempting to define the other’s weaknesses. Trump’s remarks about Harris’ policy shifts, however, struck a chord, casting doubt on her consistency.
As both campaigns move forward, many are watching to see if the two will meet again for another debate before Election Day.
