In a recent live interview at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago, former President Donald Trump made headlines with his comments about Vice President Kamala Harris’s heritage. During the exchange, Trump questioned Harris’s racial identity, stating, “She happened to turn Black” in recent years. This remark was aimed at critiquing the perception that Harris was elevated within the Democratic Party due to her race and gender.
ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott challenged Trump by referencing the viewpoint held by some Republicans who have labeled Harris a “DEI hire,” implying her rise was based on diversity, equity, and inclusion criteria rather than merit. Trump, who admitted to knowing Harris only indirectly, expressed confusion over her racial identity. “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 remarked. He further questioned whether Harris’s identity is Indian or Black.
Scott responded by affirming Harris’s consistent identification as a Black woman. In defense of his position, Trump reiterated his respect for both identities but criticized what he perceived as Harris’s sudden change. He also took issue with Scott’s questioning, describing her tone as “hostile” and “nasty.”
Kamala Harris is of both Indian American and African American heritage. Her mother, who emigrated from India, and her father, who emigrated from Jamaica, have contributed to her rich cultural background. Harris also has ties to historically Black institutions, having attended Howard University and been a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
The Harris campaign has yet to respond to Trump’s comments. Meanwhile, Democrats have swiftly condemned the remarks. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) dismissed Trump’s statements as reflective of his “politics of insult, of revenge and resentment and retribution,” underscoring a broader critique of Trump’s approach to political discourse.