Former President Donald Trump questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity during an event at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago, igniting a storm of controversy. Trump falsely claimed that Harris had only recently emphasized her Asian-American heritage and accused her of “becoming black” to gain political advantage. “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 remarked. He continued, “So I don’t know – Is she Indian? Or is she black?”
Harris responded to Trump’s comments, calling them “the same old show” of “divisiveness… and disrespect.” She emphasized that the American people deserve a leader who understands that diversity is a strength, not a source of division.
Harris, the first black and Asian-American vice president, has Indian and Jamaican-born parents, attended Howard University, and joined the historically black Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She also became a member of the Congressional Black Caucus after entering the Senate in 2017.
The comments led to a heated exchange with ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott, who moderated the event. Trump claimed to respect either of Harris’ racial identities but accused her of switching between them for political gain. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Representative Ritchie Torres of New York criticized Trump, with Torres calling him a “relic of a racist past.”
Trump has a history of attacking his opponents on racial grounds, including the false claim that Barack Obama was not born in the US and similar attacks on Republican primary opponent Nikki Haley. Harris has faced numerous attacks since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee, with some Republicans alleging she was chosen for her race. Congressman Tim Burchett referred to her as a “DEI vice-president,” referencing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
During the event, Trump also attacked Harris’ credentials, noting she initially failed the bar exam, a claim that drew murmurs from the crowd. Harris graduated from the University of California Hastings College of Law in 1989, failing the bar exam on her first attempt but passing on her second. Trump concluded the discussion by criticizing Scott’s questions as “rude and nasty” but later claimed victory in the exchange on his social media platform.
Overall, the event highlighted ongoing tensions and debates surrounding race and identity in American politics, with Trump’s remarks drawing widespread criticism and further polarizing public opinion.
