Deceptive Immigration Messaging: Unpacking Trump’s Misleading Campaign Ad Targeting Kamala Harris

Donald Trump’s first campaign ad attacking Vice President Kamala Harris, contains misleading elements about immigration. Immigration advocates have pointed out the ad criticizes Harris over America’s border crisis, but uses images from Trump’s own presidency. At least three photos were taken at the US Mexico border in 2018 when Trump was in office, while another image was from Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2,019. The ad falsely labels Harris as America’s borders are, a title she never held. This continues a pattern of misleading immigration ads from Trump, including one from 2,016 that showed footage from Morocco instead of the US border. A Washington Post investigation revealed these inaccuracies, highlighting ongoing concerns about misinformation in political advertising. The Trump campaign’s use of outdated and irrelevant imagery undermines its critique of the current administration’s border policies.