CHICAGO — Donald Trump adviser Tim Murtaugh criticized the attention Vice President Kamala Harris is receiving for embracing patriotism, arguing that Democrats shouldn’t get “a cookie” for being proud to be American.
Harris’ campaign has notably had some patriotic moments with her supporters chanting “USA! USA! USA!” at her rallies — something that did not happen at President Biden’s events. Harris supporters have also mused on social media that there has been a shift on how to view America as she is trying to paint her campaign about coming up from the middle class in a testament to the American Dream.
“If Democrats are proud to be Americans, what do they want a cookie for this?” Murtaugh said Tuesday in an interview with NewsNation.
“I mean, I think people, all Americans, should be proud of America, and I don’t know why Democrats need to be singled out for praise, because they have said nice things about the country in which they live,” the Trump adviser added.
Murtaugh previously served as Trump’s communications director in 2020 and was recently brought on as a senior adviser.
Beyond patriotism, Harris’ campaign has tried to repurpose other typically Republican symbols — like the Harris-Walz camouflage hat.
The hat has sold out several times and has Democrats sporting it at the Democratic National Convention.
The vice president has also spoken out directly about needing to be grateful for America.
“I see the beauty of our great nation. People from every corner of our country and every walk of life are here united by our shared vision for the future of our country,” Harris said Monday night at the DNC after thanking Biden for his service to America.