An unverified claim has surfaced on X, suggesting that Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris has a “drinking problem.” This rumor is being circulated by supporters of former President Donald Trump on social media.
Origins and Spread of the Rumor
The rumor appears to have originated from James Blair, a Trump campaign insider, who made the unsubstantiated claim in a post on X on Sunday. Blair’s tweet stated, “A lot of rumors out there about Kamala having a serious drinking problem…apparently coming into focus as the campaign heats up.” The post quickly gained traction, garnering over 9,000 likes and nearly 4,000 shares, with more than 5 million views.
Trump’s Past Comments and Reactions
Former President Trump has previously highlighted his own abstinence from alcohol, citing the tragic loss of his older brother Fred, who died at 42 due to alcoholism. President Joe Biden, also a teetotaler, has spoken about the impact of alcoholism in his family, though his son, Hunter Biden, has struggled with substance abuse issues.
The spreading rumor about Harris’s alleged drinking problem has sparked concern among some Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, who worry that personal attacks could backfire and damage Trump’s chances in the upcoming election. Despite these concerns, Trump has persisted in attacking Harris on a personal level, often questioning her intelligence and appearance. His running mate, JD Vance, has also made dismissive comments about Harris, once referring to her as a “childless cat lady.”
Social Media Responses
Following Blair’s initial post, other pro-Trump accounts amplified the claim, sharing clips of Harris stumbling over her words during speeches. One viral post suggested, “OH MY GOSH! It’s all starting to make sense. Kamala Harris is a raging alcoholic because there’s no good explanation for having moments like this on Live TV.” Another user added, “This woman has more skeletons in her closet than a funeral home.”
However, many have come to Harris’s defense, with one user saying, “You Republicans really have nothing against Kamala Harris, do you?” Another post read, “You guys have actually given up and are just gossiping now. F**king hilarious.”
As of now, neither Kamala Harris nor the Biden-Harris campaign has addressed the spreading rumor.