In a recent interview at the National Association of Black Journalists convention, former President Donald Trump accused Vice President Kamala Harris of “playing race games.” When asked if Harris was on the Democratic ticket because she is black, Trump responded with his typical mix of confusion and controversy.
“I’ve known her a long time indirectly, not directly, very much, and she was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage,” Trump claimed in a video posted to X. Trump claimed he hadn’t realized Harris was black until a few years ago when she apparently decided to identify as such. “I don’t know, is she Indian or is she black?”
ABC host Rachel Scott tried to interject, explaining that Harris has always identified as black, but Trump spoke over her. He stated that while he respects either identity, he believes Harris doesn’t, as she was Indian all along and suddenly changed to identifying as black. “She became a black person,” Trump insisted. “I think somebody should look into that, too.”
When Scott asked Trump if it was okay for some Congressional Republicans to call Harris a “DEI hire” (referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies), Trump was noncommittal. “I really don’t know. Could be. Could be,” he said.
Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, was a focal point of Trump’s combative appearance, during which he boasted about his supposed achievements for black Americans. “I have been the best president for the black population since Abraham Lincoln,” according to Trump.
Harrison Fields, a former assistant press secretary in the Trump White House, noted that Trump was catering to a hostile audience. Fields explained that Trump tends to venture into challenging environments but recognizes the importance of engaging in such discussions.