ASHEBORO, N.C. (NewsNation) — Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, returned to the campaign trail Wednesday in Asheboro, North Carolina, as part of their counter-programming strategy against the Democratic National Convention

Trump and Vance continued to attack Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as well as President Joe Biden, over national security policies. They also criticized Harris’ handling of the southern border while she was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration.

Wednesday’s rally marks Trump’s third visit to the Tar Heel State in the last month, underlining the state’s importance in his reelection strategy.

Harris leading anti-police crusade: Trump

Before heading to North Carolina, Trump and Vance have been touring battleground states, holding events in Wisconsin and Michigan this week.

Trump blamed Harris for America’s crime problems, though violent crime has been on the decline in many major cities.

Trump, Harris differ on global conflicts

Trump has campaigned on ending the Israel-Hamas war while showing empathy for Israel. Harris has also said Israel has a right to defend itself while calling for a deal to reach a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages.

Trump has also claimed he could end the war in Ukraine within days of returning to the White House, though he hasn’t provided details on how.

Additionally, Trump argues the Biden-Harris border policies have allowed terrorists to slip into the U.S.

A recent report 19-page report from the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee revealed more than 250 migrants on the terrorist “watch list” entered the United States illegally at the southern border during fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023, with at least 99 of them later allowed to enter and settle.

NewsNation digital producer Anna Kutz contributed to this report.