The White House issues a strong response to Trump's comments about Vice President Harris.
During a recent appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention, former President Donald Trump sparked controversy with comments regarding Vice President Kamala Harris. In his remarks, Trump questioned Harris's racial identity and implied that she was chosen for her position as a "DEI hire," suggesting that she only recently "became a Black person" after previously identifying more with her Indian heritage. These comments have ignited debate and criticism concerning the appropriateness and implications of Trump’s statements.
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| Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. |
Trump's comments were in response to a question from ABC News' Rachel Scott, who asked him if he agreed with Republican lawmakers who have characterized Harris as a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hire. Trump responded by questioning Harris's racial identity, stating, "I didn't know she was Black until many years ago when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black."
This prompted swift backlash from Harris’s camp and the White House. Michael Tyler, Harris’ campaign communications director, issued a statement condemning Trump’s remarks as part of a broader pattern of hostility and division. Tyler emphasized that Trump’s comments reflected the same divisive rhetoric he used during his presidency and his current campaign.
"Trump lobbed personal attacks and insults at Black journalists the same way he did throughout his presidency while he failed Black families and left the entire country digging out of the ditch he left us in," Tyler said. He also criticized Trump for attempting to divide the country instead of uniting it, highlighting the stark contrast between Trump’s approach and Harris's vision of "opportunity and freedom for all Americans."
The White House also weighed in, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre describing Trump’s remarks as "insulting" and asserting that no one has the right to dictate another person’s identity. Jean-Pierre emphasized that only Harris can speak to her own experience and identity, adding, "She is the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. We have to put some respect on her name here."
In response to the controversy, Trump took to Truth Social, claiming victory over what he described as "Rude and Nasty" questions, insisting that his performance "CRUSHED IT."
This incident has reignited debates about race, identity, and the nature of political discourse in the U.S., with many observers noting the implications of Trump's comments in the context of his ongoing campaign. The situation underscores the sharp divisions that continue to define American politics, especially in the lead-up to the next election cycle.