Former US President Bill Clinton's recent comments on immigration at a Democrat rally in Georgia have been swiftly repurposed by Donald Trump's campaign.
Speaking at a fish fry event, Clinton addressed the murder of Laken Riley, a nursing student allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela.
The case has become a flashpoint in the heated national debate on immigration policy.
Clinton criticised Republicans for blocking the Border Security Bill, suggesting it could have prevented Riley's tragic death through proper vetting.
Former US president Bill Clinton's recent comments on immigration at a Democrat rally in Georgia have been swiftly repurposed by Donald Trump's campaignReutersHowever, the Trump campaign seized upon Clinton's remarks, using them in an attack ad to suggest that even the former Democratic President struggles to defend the current administration's border policies.
Speaking about the Border Security Bill, Clinton said: "If they'd all been properly vetted that probably wouldn't have happened."
However, the Trump campaign's attack ad omitted Clinton's earlier remarks where he noted: "Trump killed the bill."
The Biden administration faces intense scrutiny over its handling of the influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border.
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Trump, who consistently polls ahead on immigration issues, has pledged harsh measures against illegal immigrants if re-elected.
The former President has also made controversial claims about illegal Haitian migrants and the misuse of emergency funds for immigrant housing.
Beyond immigration, the Trump campaign has expanded its attack strategy to target transgender rights and military policies.
Recent rallies have featured footage from Stanley Kubrick's 1987 film "Full Metal Jacket", juxtaposing scenes of a tough drill sergeant against clips supporting LGBTQ+ rights and drag performers.
Trump, who consistently polls ahead on immigration issues, has pledged harsh measures against illegal immigrants if re-elected, including the death penalty for those who kill American citizen
ReutersThe ads contrast "THEN" with "NOW" and "THE BIDEN HARRIS MILITARY", criticising the current administration's inclusive military policies.
Vivian Kubrick, daughter of the late director, has expressed support for the use of the film footage.
She wrote on social media: "If that footage from FMJ helps Trump make the point that the US military needs properly trained, super tough, focused, dedicated warriors, and not introduce the demoralising effects of woke-ism... then Trump has my blessing."
