Speaking at a rally in Wausau, Wisconsin, Trump’s running mate JD Vance acknowledged that “maybe it’s a stupid, racist joke.” But he didn’t condemn it, insisting he hadn’t “seen the joke.”

The violent and vulgar rhetoric at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally Sunday has prompted finger-pointing within the former president’s inner circle and deep concern that his message was once again eclipsed by controversy.

With just over a week before Election Day, the marquee event reflected the former president’s tone throughout his third White House campaign.