**Vice President Harris Criticizes Trump for Disparaging Remarks About Women**

Vice President Kamala Harris has voiced strong criticism towards former President Donald Trump following his recent comments about protecting women, whether they "like it or not." In an exclusive interview, Harris asserted that Trump's remarks are indicative of a longstanding pattern of disrespecting women's autonomy.

Harris stated, "His latest comment is just the most recent in a series of examples that we have seen from him in his words and deeds about how he devalues the ability of women to have the choice and the freedom to make decisions about their own body." She emphasized that a majority of Americans believe women possess the intelligence and should have the agency to make decisions in their best interest, without interference from the government or Trump’s dictates.

Trump made his controversial remarks during a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he mentioned that his advisors had cautioned him against saying he wanted to "protect the women." Ignoring their advice, Trump declared, "Well, I'm going to do it, whether the women like it or not. I'm going to protect them."

In response to Harris' pointed criticisms, the Trump campaign has yet to provide a comment. However, Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, addressed Trump's statement in an interview on NBC News' "Meet the Press NOW." Leavitt defended Trump, suggesting that his comments were made within the context of addressing illegal immigration and the protection of women from criminals who are illegal immigrants.

Harris took the opportunity to also critique Trump’s broader rhetoric, including his inflammatory remarks about "the enemy from within" and likening the United States to a "garbage can." Harris commented, "He does not understand that most people are exhausted with his rhetoric, exhausted with that approach, exhausted with an approach that Donald Trump has that's trying to divide our country and have Americans point fingers at each other. They're done with it, and they're ready to turn the page."

Ahead of attending rallies in Reno and Las Vegas, Harris spoke to NBC News in Phoenix. Reflecting on what her late mother might advise her in the critical moments leading up to the election, Harris smiled and said, "'Just go beat him,' that's probably what she'd say. Yeah, that's my mother."