### Trump Escalates Rhetoric in Pennsylvania, Rejects 2020 Election Defeat

Former President Donald Trump expressed regret over his exit from the White House in 2021 during a Pennsylvania rally on Sunday, marking the end of his 2024 campaign with a barrage of contentious statements and vows to not accept defeat if it occurs. Trump’s speech in this crucial battleground state was laden with violent and disparaging rhetoric, tapping into his long-held grievance over the 2020 election loss.

Addressing his supporters, Trump reiterated his unfounded claims of election interference and described Democrats as "demonic." Complaining about a new poll that no longer shows him leading in Iowa, Trump lamented what he calls a "fixed" vote against him. "I shouldn't have left, I mean, honestly," he said, revisiting the aftermath of the last election. His impromptu comments, punctuated by outlandish allegations, drew cheers from the rally crowd in Lititz, Pennsylvania, a county he won by over 15 points in 2020.

Trump showcased a mix of threats and controversial remarks throughout his campaign's final stretch. In one instance, he suggested he wouldn’t mind if an assassin’s bullet targeting him also hit members of the press, referring to them as "fake news." His spokesman, Steven Cheung, later clarified that Trump was concerned about the media's safety, asserting that the former president meant to highlight the risks to the press shielding him.

Adding to the weekend’s bizarre moments, Trump entertained conspiracy theories and derogatory remarks about political figures. He endorsed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s suggestion of removing fluoride from public water if re-elected, saying it "sounds OK to me." At a rally in North Carolina, Trump laughed at an audience member's crude joke about Vice President Kamala Harris, before passing it off as others’ words.

Trump's rhetoric deviates significantly from traditional political discourse. He doubled down on using military force against domestic enemies and made alarming comments about former Rep. Liz Cheney facing military threats.

Vice President Kamala Harris has countered Trump's provocative statements with promises to heal political divisions and focus on policy issues like restoring federal abortion rights. Harris emphasizes the importance of debate and unity, rejecting Trump’s narrative of treating political opponents as enemies.

Overall, Trump’s final rally in Pennsylvania underscores a campaign style marked by incendiary claims and relentless attacks against his opponents, as he bids for a return to the White House.