In a world where controversy seems to follow Donald Trump like a lost puppy, the former President decided to add another wild chapter to his saga by questioning Vice President Kamala Harris’ race during an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists on a Wednesday that Chicago may never forget.
Imagine this: the 78-year-old former Commander-in-Chief, standing there with his classic pouty face, decided it was time to play the “Guess Who?” game with Kamala Harris’ heritage. He claimed, with all the confidence of a guy who just skimmed the Wikipedia page, that Harris had only been promoting her Indian roots until, surprise, she “turned Black” one day. You know, like how you might wake up one morning and decide you’re now a morning person. Easy as that!
“I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black,” Trump said, as if it’s totally normal to suddenly “become” Black like you’re switching your WiFi network. “So, I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?” he pondered, probably thinking this was a really deep philosophical question.
Now, just in case you didn’t know (but we’re pretty sure you do), Kamala Harris is about as Black as it gets when you’re attending Howard University, one of the most iconic HBCUs in the country, and pledging Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically Black sorority that’s been doing its thing for over a century. Not to mention, she was in the Congressional Black Caucus, which is basically like the VIP section of Black lawmakers in the Senate. But sure, Donald, let’s act like this is all brand new information.
Of course, this isn’t the first time Trump’s dabbled in the art of questioning someone’s race. Remember the whole “Birtherism” thing? You know, that little conspiracy theory where he insisted President Obama wasn’t actually born in the U.S. despite all the facts pointing to the contrary (Aloha from Hawaii, by the way). So, in a way, this Kamala thing is just him playing his greatest hits.
As if things weren’t spicy enough, Trump’s appearance at the event got off to a sizzling start when he accused Rachel Scott from ABC News of giving him a “very rude introduction.” Because, apparently, asking tough questions about his track record with Black people and Black journalists, his jabs at Black prosecutors, and that infamous dinner with a white supremacist is just so uncalled for! I mean, who would dare question his actions? The nerve!
But don’t worry, Trump made sure to let everyone know just how much he *loves* the Black population. “I think it’s disgraceful that I came here in good spirit. I love the Black population of this country, I’ve done so much for the Black population of this country,” he said, with the enthusiasm of someone trying to convince you that their soggy sandwich is gourmet cuisine.
And in true Trump fashion, he didn’t miss the opportunity to throw a tantrum at ABC News, arguing that they shouldn’t host the next presidential debate—despite having already agreed to it. You know, because nothing says “I’m serious about this debate” like trying to get the host kicked off the stage.
In a move straight out of the playbook of things that make you go “wait, what?,” Trump also claimed that immigrants in the country illegally are “taking Black jobs.” When Rachel Scott asked what exactly a “Black job” is, Trump, with the finesse of a man tripping over his own words, said it was “any job,” which earned him a symphony of groans from the audience. Bravo, Mr. President, bravo.
And just when you thought he was done, Trump dropped the mic with this gem: “I have been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln.” Because who needs humble pie when you’ve got a whole bakery of self-praise to gorge on?
Trump tells Black journalists that Kamala Harris "is of Indian heritage … is she Indian or is she Black? … she became a Black person." Note the audience laughing at him. pic.twitter.com/PAhmgr1yBS
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 31, 2024