In a contentious interview with Fox News host Bret Baier on Wednesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris faced tough questions on immigration, the economy, and her potential presidency, just 20 days before Election Day.
The 28-minute exchange was marked by tense moments as Baier pressed Harris on the surge of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border since she took office in 2021.
When asked to provide the number of illegal immigrants who have entered the country during her tenure, Harris sidestepped the question.
“I’m glad you raised the issue of immigration because I agree with you—it is a topic of discussion that people want to rightly have,” Harris responded. She explained that the immigration system is “broken” and needs to be repaired, adding, “Our focus has been on fixing a problem, from day one.”
However, reports indicate that since fiscal year 2021, at least 14 million illegal immigrants have crossed the southern border into the United States—the greatest number under any administration in U.S. history.
Baier also questioned Harris about the National Border Patrol Council’s endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
Harris acknowledged the frustration among border agents, stating, “They are working around the clock. I get it.”
The vice president called for an end to “political games” surrounding illegal immigration, accusing Republicans of purposefully stalling legislation that would have added additional border security.
Critics note that the bill in question stalled in the Democrat-controlled Senate and would have allowed an additional two million foreign nationals into the country annually.
The interview grew more pointed when Baier brought up the murders of Jocelyn Nungaray, Rachel Morin, and Laken Riley—victims allegedly killed by violent foreign nationals released into the U.S. illegally by the current administration.
When asked if she owed their families an apology, Harris described the incidents as “tragic cases” but did not offer a direct apology. Pressed further, she said, “I am so sorry for her loss,” before shifting the conversation back to Trump.
On the economy, Baier cited polls indicating that Americans trust Trump more than Harris on economic issues. Inflation has skyrocketed to 40-year highs during the Biden-Harris administration, with costs today more than 20% higher than when they took office in 2021.
Harris deflected the criticism by focusing on Trump: “He spent $20 million on those ads trying to create a sense of fear in the voters because he actually has no plan in this election that is about focusing on the needs of the American people.” She added, “People are ready to chart a new way forward, and they want a president who has a plan for the future.”
Addressing her potential presidency, Harris promised “fresh and new ideas,” asserting that it would not be a continuation of President Joe Biden’s term.
When Baier asked how she plans to “turn the page” from her current role, Harris said she intends to move away from the “divisiveness” and rhetoric of the past decade, specifically criticizing Trump.
“[Trump] talked about locking people up because they disagreed with him,” Harris remarked. “This is a democracy.”
Trump currently faces four separate indictments since leaving office, two of which were brought by the Biden-Harris Justice Department.
Throughout the interview, Harris maintained that immigration reform is necessary and placed responsibility on Congress to enact changes. She stated that the administration has increased the number of border agents and tightened penalties for illegal crossings but acknowledged that more work needs to be done.
Critics point out that existing laws to prevent illegal entry are not being effectively enforced and that the administration reversed several Trump-era border policies.
Notably, the Remain in Mexico policy was suspended on the administration’s first day in office.
With the nation divided on how to address these challenges, Harris’s responses may do little to assuage the concerns of those seeking more decisive action on border control.