By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
During a convention for black journalists, Donald Trump questioned Kamala Harris' racial identity, falsely asserting that the vice president and presumptive Democratic nominee had only recently emphasized her Asian-American heritage. Trump claimed, "She became a black person" and questioned whether she was Indian or black. Harris responded, calling Trump's remarks "divisiveness and disrespect" and emphasizing the importance of unity and respect in leadership.
Harris, the first black and Asian-American vice-president, has parents from India and Jamaica, attended Howard University, and joined the predominantly black Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She has been a member of the Congressional Black Caucus since joining the Senate in 2017.
Trump's comments sparked a heated exchange with ABC News' correspondent Rachel Scott, who moderated the event in Chicago. Trump criticized Harris for allegedly switching her racial identity and for failing her bar exam on her first attempt, which she later passed. The New York Times reported that passing the bar exam on a second attempt is not uncommon, as fewer than half pass on the first try.
The discussion began contentiously, with Scott referencing Trump's past criticisms of black people and his association with a white supremacist. Trump defended his record, claiming to have done much for the black population in the US.
The exchange and Trump's remarks were widely criticized. Congressman Ritchie Torres of New York called Trump a "relic of a racist past," while White House press secretary Karine Jean Pierre emphasized that no one has the right to dictate another's identity. Trump's history of racially charged attacks includes false claims about Barack Obama's birthplace and questioning Nikki Haley's eligibility for the presidency based on her parents' citizenship.
Harris has frequently spoken about her engagement with both her Indian and black heritage, reflecting her diverse upbringing in Oakland, California. Despite Trump's attacks, Harris remains a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and continues to advocate for unity and respect across different communities.
