Washington: In a racially insensitive move, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump questioned Kamala Harris’ racial identity, asking whether she is “Indian or Black.” His remarks drew sharp criticism from his Democratic rival, who condemned the comments as “divisive” and “disrespectful.”
Trump, 78, claimed Vice President Harris had only emphasized her Asian-American heritage until recently, saying, “she became a black person.” Speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago, Trump said, “I’ve known her indirectly for a long time, and she was always promoting her Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a few years ago when she suddenly became Black.”
Harris’ mother is from India, and her father is from Jamaica. As an undergraduate, Harris attended Howard University, a historically black school, and was active in Alpha Kappa Alpha, the country’s oldest Black sorority. She was also the president of the Black Law Students Association during law school and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus in the Senate.
When a journalist tried to inform Trump that Harris had always identified as Black, he persisted: “I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t. She was Indian all the way, and then she turned Black. Someone should look into that.”
Trump’s comments drew immediate backlash. Speaking at an event in Houston for the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Harris remarked, “Donald Trump spoke at the National Association of Black Journalists, and it was the same old show – divisiveness and disrespect.” She emphasized that Americans deserve a leader who tells the truth and values their differences.
Harris campaign communications director Michael Tyler stated, “The hostility Trump showed today is the same he’s shown throughout his life and presidency. He attacks Black journalists and fails Black families.”
At the White House, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called Trump’s comments “insulting.” She asserted, “No one has the right to tell someone how they identify. It’s a personal decision, and only she can speak to her experience.”
Trump has a history of racially charged attacks. He previously questioned Barack Obama’s birthplace and attacked Nikki Haley’s eligibility for the presidency.
Harris has faced numerous attacks since becoming the Democratic nominee, with some Republicans arguing she was chosen because of her race. Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett called her a “DEI vice-president,” referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. When asked if he believed Harris was a “DEI hire,” Trump replied, “I really don’t know, could be.”
Harris has spoken about her Indian heritage and her upbringing immersed in Black culture in Oakland, California. Trump also criticized her legal credentials, saying she had failed her bar exam initially.
Second gentleman Doug Emhoff called Trump’s remarks “a worse version of an already horrible person” and a distraction from the important issues at stake in the election. Arizona Senator Mark Kelly described Trump’s comments as “the desperate comments of a scared old man.”
