Former President Donald Trump questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’ race during an altercation at a convention for black journalists. He wrongly stated that Harris, the vice president and presumed Democratic nominee, had only recently begun to claim her African American heritage.
Trump’s Comments
“I didn’t know she was black until several years ago when she happened to turn black and now she wants to be known as black,” said Trump at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago. “Is she Indian? Or is she black?” Trump’s comments suggested that Harris was switching racial identities for political purposes.
Harris’ Reactions
Kamala Harris called Trump’s comments the same old show of divisiveness… and disrespect.” Speaking at a meeting of historically Black sorority Sigma Gamma Rho in Houston, she added: “The American people deserve better. We deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us — they are an essential source of our strength.”
Background on Kamala Harris
She studied at Howard University, a historically Black school, and was part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority which is predominantly Black. After joining the Senate in 2017, she became part of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Fierce Exchange At The Convention
According to ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott who acted as one of the moderators at the Chicago event, there was a heated exchange following his claims. Referring to Harris’ race Trump said he respected either but went on: “She doesn’t because she was Indian all way then all of sudden made turn became a black person.”
Responses From Other Leaders
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended Harris saying no one has any right to tell someone who they are or how they identify adding that it should be no one’s business anyway while New York Representative Ritchie Torres criticized him questioning who appointed Donald trump arbiter of blackness before calling him relic racist past.
Historical Context For Racial Attacks Against Political Opponents By Former President Donald J. Trump
Trump has previously attacked opponents racially including falsely accusing Barack Obama – America’s first Black president —of not being born in the US besides branding former UN ambassador Nikki Haley unfit for the presidency since her parents were not US citizens during her birth time.
Ongoing Criticism Of Kamala D. Harris By Republican Party Over Her Selection As Presumptive Democratic Nominee Concerning Tim Burchett Calling Her DEI Vice-President (Diversity Equity Inclusion)
Since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee attacks against the vice president have increased with some Republicans claiming selection was purely based on race while others like Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett described Harris as DEI vice-president referring to diversity equity inclusion programs.
