Trump at NABJ: ‘You invited me under false pretenses’
During his address at the National Association of Black Journalists’ convention in Chicago, former President Trump remarked that Vice President Kamala Harris has predominantly showcased one aspect of her heritage while responding to a DEI inquiry.
On Wednesday, President Trump told attendees that Vice President Harris “became a Black person,” after previously identifying as Indian, when queried by a reporter about her race.
Addressing the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) on Wednesday afternoon, Trump was asked by ABC News’ Rachel Scott if he sided with Republican lawmakers who have described Harris as a “DEI” or diversity, equity, and inclusion, hire.
Former President Trump at a rally at the Van Andel Arena on July 20, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Michigan (left). Vice President Harris addressing NCAA Champion Teams on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. (right). (Left: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images, Right: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“I’ve known her for a long time, indirectly, not directly… and she always identified as Indian, promoting her Indian roots,” Trump stated. “I wasn’t aware she identified as Black until several years ago when she chose to embrace that identity. So, I wonder, is she Indian or is she Black?”
Harris’s mother hails from India, while her father is a Black man from Jamaica.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Harris’s campaign communications director, Michael Tyler, issued a statement shortly after the event.
“The animosity displayed by Donald Trump on stage today mirrors the disdain he has exhibited throughout his life, during his presidency, and his ongoing campaign as he attempts to reclaim power and push his detrimental Project 2025 agenda upon the American people,” Tyler stated. “Trump resorted to personal attacks and insults toward Black journalists much as he did while in office – all while failing Black families and leaving the nation grappling with the aftermath of his administration. Donald Trump has already shown he cannot unite America; instead, he seeks to sow division.”
“Today’s outburst reflects the same chaos and discord that characterize Trump’s MAGA rallies throughout this campaign,” Tyler continued. “This is precisely what the American people can anticipate during the debate, where Vice President Harris will present a vision of opportunity and freedom for all. All Trump needs to do is stop the theatrics and actually participate in the debate on September 10.”
Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, also weighed in on Trump’s remarks, labeling them “insulting” and asserting, “No one has the right to dictate someone else’s identity.”
“Identity is a personal decision that belongs solely to the individual,” Jean-Pierre asserted. “Only she can articulate her experiences. It is disrespectful for anyone, regardless of their position, to make such statements.”
“Kamala Harris is the Vice President of the United States,” she added. “We must show her the respect she deserves.”
Following the NABJ event, Trump took to Truth Social to express his views: “The questions were rude and nasty, often presented as statements, but we absolutely excelled!”
