At the largest annual gathering of Black journalists, U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity, sparking significant controversy and backlash.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks
Questioning Harris’ Heritage
Speaking at the convention, Trump suggested that Harris had previously downplayed her Black heritage in favor of her Indian background. “She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black,” Trump said. His remarks were met with boos from the audience of around 1,000 people.
Further Criticism
Trump continued, “So I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black? But you know what, I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t, because she was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn, and she went – she became a Black person.” Harris, of Indian and Jamaican descent, has long identified as both Black and Asian, and is the first person of these backgrounds to serve as vice president.
Harris’ Response
Addressing the Comments
In response to Trump’s remarks, Harris spoke to members of the historically Black sorority Sigma Gamma Rho in Houston. She described his comments as a reminder of the divisiveness during his presidency. “It was the same old show of divisiveness and disrespect,” Harris said. “The American people deserve better.”
Reactions and Political Context
Online Attacks and Republican Stance
Since launching her campaign, Harris has faced numerous sexist and racist attacks online. Some far-right accounts have questioned her racial identity. Republican leaders have urged a focus on her policies rather than personal attacks, but Trump has continued with his confrontational rhetoric. “I’m not gonna be nice!” he declared at a campaign rally.
Confrontation at the NABJ Convention
The interview at the National Association of Black Journalists’ convention began tensely, with ABC News reporter Rachel Scott listing racist comments made by Trump and questioning his support among Black voters. Trump called the question “horrible,” “hostile,” and a “disgrace,” and criticized ABC as a “fake” network. He claimed, “I have been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln,” prompting groans from the audience.
Policy and Perception
Immigration and Employment Claims
Trump reiterated a claim from a previous debate that migrants crossing the U.S. southern border would take away “Black jobs.” When questioned about what he meant by “Black jobs,” he responded, “A Black job is anybody with a job.”
DEI Controversy and Policing Comments
Trump avoided commenting on whether Harris was a “DEI hire,” a term implying selection based on diversity rather than qualifications. When asked about police immunity following the death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman killed by a sheriff’s deputy, Trump admitted he was not familiar with the case, drawing gasps from the audience.
Technical Difficulties and Session End
The interview began over an hour late due to audio issues, causing both Trump and the moderators to sometimes struggle to hear each other. The session, initially set for an hour, ended abruptly after 35 minutes when the campaign cited time constraints.
Post-Interview Developments
Rally in Pennsylvania
Later that day, at a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump did not address his comments about Harris’ identity. Instead, he blamed her for increased immigration and claimed she would ban fracking, playing a video of her endorsing such a ban during her 2019 presidential campaign. Her current campaign has clarified she would not ban fracking if elected.
Political Strategy
Efforts to Court Black Voters
Trump’s appearance at the NABJ convention is part of a broader strategy to attract Black voters. His campaign is focusing on cities with large Black populations, such as Atlanta, where he plans to hold a rally. Recent polls indicate weakening support for President Joe Biden among Black men, traditionally a strong Democratic voting bloc.
Polling and Public Opinion
Biden’s decision to step down in favor of Harris has energized voters of color and younger voters. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Harris narrowly leading Trump 43%-42%, within the poll’s margin of error.
Conclusion Trump’s questioning of Kamala Harris’ racial identity has ignited debate and highlighted ongoing issues of race and identity in politics. As the election approaches, both candidates are focusing on their strategies to win over key voter demographics.