Former President Donald Trump made false claims about Vice President Kamala Harris’ race during an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago on Wednesday. Trump suggested that Harris, the first Black woman and Asian American to serve as vice president, had only recently identified as Black, misleading voters about her heritage.
Harris, who is of Jamaican and Indian descent, has consistently acknowledged both her Black and Indian heritage. She attended Howard University, a historically Black college, and has been a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Trump’s remarks sparked controversy and were widely criticized as another instance of his history of racially charged comments. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned Trump’s statements, calling them “repulsive” and “insulting.”
The former president’s speech quickly became contentious, with Trump criticizing the event’s host, Rachel Scott of ABC News, and reiterating debunked claims about his support for Black Americans. He also falsely claimed that immigrants were “taking Black jobs” and compared the 2021 Capitol riot to recent pro-Gaza protests, which drew a rebuke from the audience.
Trump’s comments highlight ongoing tensions and debates about race, identity, and the role of media in political discourse, particularly concerning Black journalists and communities. As Trump campaigns for a third presidential bid, these issues remain central to the broader conversation about race and politics in the U.S