The White House and Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign continued to manage fallout on Wednesday from President Joe Biden’s recent “garbage” comment, as former President Donald Trump capitalized on the controversy, which overshadowed Harris’s “closing argument.”

On Tuesday night, during a Voto Latino event, Biden appeared to refer to Trump supporters as “garbage” when responding to a comment at a Trump rally, where a speaker referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters — his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable and un-American,” Biden said in a clip that aired on CNN.

Biden’s remark sparked backlash from Republicans and came as Harris was giving a speech at the Ellipse urging Americans to move away from divisive rhetoric. At a rally in Mount Rock, North Carolina, Trump linked Harris to Biden’s comment, claiming it reflects what both Biden and Harris think of his supporters.

In response, Biden clarified on social media, explaining that his comment targeted the rhetoric from a comedian at Trump’s rally, describing it as “garbage.” He emphasized that such statements don’t represent American values.

During her daily briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reassured reporters that Biden did not consider Trump supporters “garbage” and reiterated his stance as president for all Americans. Jean-Pierre added that Biden took the “extra step” to clarify his remarks to avoid any misinterpretation.

Harris, speaking with ABC News, distanced herself from Biden’s comment, affirming that she “strongly disagrees with criticizing people based on who they vote for.” She said she intends to represent all Americans, including those who may not vote for her.

This episode is part of a series of recent incidents requiring clarification from the White House. Just last week, Biden remarked about Trump, saying, “We gotta lock him up. Politically lock him up.” Despite the ongoing issues, Jean-Pierre confirmed that Biden’s schedule, including two visits to Pennsylvania later in the week, remains unchanged.