As the 2024 presidential election draws closer, former President Donald Trump is reportedly grappling with the possibility of a second defeat, a reality that is said to be casting a shadow over his campaign. Anthony Scaramucci, who served briefly as Trump's White House communications director before becoming a vocal critic, recently weighed in on Trump's state of mind, suggesting that the former president is struggling to come to terms with the prospect of losing the upcoming election.
"Trump psychologically is coming to grips with losing this election. He is growing darker as a result of it. Will be a rough 81 days," Scaramucci posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. His comments have sparked widespread discussion, with many observers interpreting them as a sign of deepening turmoil within Trump's campaign as he faces increasing challenges on multiple fronts.
Trump, who has built much of his political persona on confidence and bravado, is now facing a difficult reality, according to Scaramucci. The former White House official has been a frequent commentator on Trump's political fortunes and has often provided insights into the former president's mindset. This latest assertion suggests that the mounting pressures of the 2024 campaign are beginning to take a toll.
Public reaction to Scaramucci's comments has been swift. On social media, users speculated about what Trump's potential response might be if he were to lose the election. "Seems like the countdown is on! The next 81 days will definitely be something to watch. Buckle up, everyone!" one user remarked, while another commented, "He has nothing to lose, so he's going to go full-on Narc with all the bells and whistles."
Scaramucci's remarks are not the first time he has criticized Trump's approach to the 2024 election. Following a press conference in August, where Trump delivered a lengthy and meandering speech, Scaramucci predicted that the former president's behavior was driven by a desire to dominate the news cycle. "He spent the whole time talking about fearmongering," Scaramucci said in an interview with CNN. "He was talking about fear in the economy, fear of crime-it's a very fear-based approach."
Scaramucci went on to suggest that Trump's unfiltered approach might be alienating even some of his own advisors. "I don't think any strategist working with him agrees with what he's doing right now. They are sitting there cringing," Scaramucci said. "If I am a Democratic strategist, please let him go on for another two hours-let him unwind himself."
As the pressure mounts, Trump's rhetoric has become increasingly personal, particularly in his attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris, who is expected to secure the Democratic nomination at the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Trump recently defended his use of personal insults against Harris, stating at a press conference, "I don't have a lot of respect for her intelligence, and I think she'll be a terrible president."
Harris, meanwhile, has been gaining ground in recent polls. According to an average of national polls from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Harris is currently leading Trump by 1.8 points, with 49 percent support compared to Trump's 47.2 percent. Polling from The New York Times/Siena College also shows Harris ahead in key battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin by as much as four points.
Trump's advisers, such as Kellyanne Conway, have reportedly been urging him to focus more on policy differences rather than personal attacks. "The winning formula for President Trump is very plain to see," Conway told Fox Business's Larry Kudlow. "It's fewer insults, more insights, and that policy contrast."
Despite the advice, Trump appears determined to continue his aggressive approach, a strategy that Scaramucci believes is indicative of his growing anxiety about the election outcome. "That is a frustrated-and believe it or not, frightened-Donald Trump," Scaramucci said. "He's looking at the poll numbers. It's a big tell when he does the accordion thing and tells you how great he's doing in the polls-that is a big tell for him. He's not doing well in the polls. He knows that, and that's another big lie that he is saying from that podium."
