Trump queries Kamala Harris identity, sparks controversy at convention

In a provocative appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago, former President Donald Trump ignited controversy by questioning Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity. Addressing an audience of approximately 1,000 Black journalists, Trump suggested that Harris, who has Indian and Jamaican heritage, had historically emphasized her Indian background while downplaying her Black 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,” Trump stated, prompting jeers from the audience. He continued, “So I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black? But you know what, I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t.”

Harris, who made history as the first Black and Asian American vice president, has consistently identified as both Black and Asian. In response to Trump’s remarks, she addressed members of the historically Black sorority Sigma Gamma Rho in Houston, calling his comments “yet another reminder” of the divisiveness and disrespect that characterized his presidency. “The American people deserve better,” she said.

Since launching her presidential campaign earlier this month, Harris has faced a barrage of racist and sexist attacks online, with some far-right figures questioning her racial identity. Despite this, Republican leaders have urged their colleagues to focus on policy rather than personal attacks.

Trump’s contentious interview began on an awkward note when ABC News reporter Rachel Scott, one of the three Black women moderators, challenged him about his past racist comments and asked why Black voters should support him. He responded by calling the question “horrible” and labeled ABC a “fake” network, before boasting, “I have been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln,” which elicited groans from the crowd.

During the conversation, Trump reiterated controversial claims about immigration and jobs, asserting that migrants crossing the southern border would take away “Black jobs.” When Scott pressed him, asking, “What exactly is a ‘Black job,’ sir?” Trump replied, “A Black job is anybody with a job.”

The interview was marked by technical difficulties, starting over an hour late, and ended abruptly after about 35 minutes due to time constraints. Despite the challenges, Trump’s appearance was part of a broader strategy to engage Black voters, a demographic that overwhelmingly supported President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

Strategists noted that Trump’s questioning of Harris’ racial identity was likely a misstep. Whit Ayres, a Republican strategist, remarked, “There are plenty of policy issues he can go after her on without going after her identity.”

As Trump continues his campaign efforts, he faces a shifting political landscape, with recent polls indicating a decline in support for Biden among Black men. However, Biden’s decision to name Harris as his successor has energized her candidacy among voters of color and younger demographics, complicating Trump’s outreach efforts.

The atmosphere at the NABJ convention reflected the tensions surrounding Trump’s visit, with some attendees expressing outrage over his invitation to speak. As he prepares for campaign events in cities with significant Black populations, the fallout from his remarks at the convention may have lasting implications for his efforts to court Black voters.