Harris Reverses Stance on Border Wall, Embraces Project She Once Called 'Un-American'

Kamala Harris, once a vocal critic of the southern border wall, has now pledged to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into continuing its construction if she is elected president. This reversal marks a significant shift from her previous position, where she labeled the project as "un-American" during Donald Trump’s administration.

A major flip-flop

Harris’ newfound support for the border wall is the latest in a series of shifts from her earlier liberal positions. Previously, she endorsed progressive policies like Medicare for All and a ban on fracking, but aides now indicate that she opposes these proposals. This change in stance reflects her tendency to move in the direction in which the wind blows. In recent weeks, Trump’s campaign has intensified its attacks on her regarding immigration. Trump's campaign wants people to remember that she is the border czar of the Biden administration. 

While Harris has moved toward a more hawkish approach to immigration, key differences between her and Trump remain. She continues to oppose Trump’s policies on family separation and mass deportations, distancing herself from his most controversial immigration tactics.

Here is what you need to know

In her speech at the Democratic National Convention last week, Harris announced her intent to sign the recent bipartisan border security bill. The bill, which Trump urged his allies to block, directs unspent funds toward the continuation of the border wall’s construction. The legislation was a product of negotiations led by senators James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

This is a marked contrast from Harris’ earlier rhetoric. During her first presidential run in 2019, Harris derided the wall as Trump’s "medieval vanity project," arguing that it would not prevent transnational gangs from entering the United States. She also criticized the wall on social media, declaring in February 2020 that "Trump's border wall is a complete waste of taxpayer money and won't make us any safer."

A Surprising Turn of Events?

According to a report from Axios, Senator James Lankford expressed surprise at Harris’ sudden endorsement of the border bill. Reflecting on the months-long negotiations, Lankford noted that Harris’ involvement was notably absent. "We never saw any vice president staff here," Lankford said, adding, "She was a Johnny-come-never. I know she's talking about it now, but she wasn't talking about it at all before."

This shift in Harris’ position on the border wall underscores the complexities of navigating a presidential campaign in a polarized political environment. As she continues to adjust her stance on key issues, the question remains whether voters will view these changes as pragmatic adaptability or as a series of flip-flops that undermine her credibility.