Allies urge Trump to minimize DEI attacks, focus on Harris' 'terrible' record: 'Wrong hole to go down'

Former President Trump’s allies are urging him to stick to policy attacks, rather than commentary on her character or physical traits, when facing former Vice President Kamala Harris.

It comes as some within the ex-president’s sphere have bashed Harris as a "DEI candidate" — a criticism that others within Trump’s circle worry could push away moderates and independent voters.

"I mean, it's certainly not the rhetoric that I would focus on. I would focus on her merit to do the job," Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, previously a top Trump 2020 campaign aide, told Fox News Digital.

"This woman just isn't ready to be commander-in-chief of the country. And in my opinion, that's what Republicans should focus on, as opposed to do what Democrats do, which is to call out someone based off of their skin color or gender. This is all about merit. And so I think DEI is the wrong hole to go down."

NEW POLL REVEALS WHAT DEMOCRATS THINK OF HARRIS AS PRESIDENT

Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., who served in Trump’s Cabinet, said, "I think the tone of Trump is gonna be pointing out that she was even worse than Biden on policies, and her assigned tasks are ones that resulted in failure… I don’t think he’ll be on the personal attacks."

Trump, for his part, has signaled that border policy will be a cornerstone of his criticism of Harris. He’s holding a press call with reporters to discuss what he called "Failed Border Czar Kamala Harris’ Border Bloodbath."

Harris announced Sunday evening that she would seek the presidency after President Biden revealed he’s dropping out of the 2024 race.

It prompted some on the right to accuse her of only being chosen as Biden’s vice president because of "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) principles, citing her low polling