On Sunday, Florida Republican Representative Byron Donalds clashed with ABC News host George Stephanopoulos over recent comments made by former President Donald Trump regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity. During the interview on This Week, Stephanopoulos labeled Trump’s remarks as a “slur.”
These comments surfaced after Trump spoke at the National Association of Black Journalists convention, suggesting that he only recently recognized Harris as Black, despite her Indian heritage. Harris, a biracial individual with a Jamaican father and Indian mother, advocates for her identity and holds a degree from Howard University, a prominent historically Black college.
The Vice President’s heritage was defended by various critics, including White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who condemned Trump’s statements as “repulsive” and “insulting.”
In response to the situation, Harris stated on X (formerly Twitter), “The American people deserve better than Donald Trump’s divisiveness and disrespect.”
During the heated exchange, Stephanopoulos questioned why both Trump and Donalds continue to scrutinize Harris’ racial identity. Donalds remarked that Harris’ campaign has shifted focus, emphasizing her father’s heritage and Black identity.
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Despite multiple interruptions, Stephanopoulos pressed Donalds, pointing out, “If it doesn’t matter, why do you keep questioning her identity?” Donalds defended that the discussion is happening widely on social media and downplayed its significance.
Stephanopoulos countered, questioning the appropriateness of bringing up racial identity in the first place. Donalds maintained that Trump spent more time discussing Harris’ Senate record rather than her background, emphasizing the need to focus on her policies instead of her racial heritage.
Both Trump and Donalds referenced an Associated Press headline from when Harris entered the Senate that highlighted her Indian American status. However, it’s important to note that Harris is also celebrated as the second Black woman to serve in the Senate.
Stephanopoulos concluded by reiterating that questioning Harris’ identity is unjust, expressing confusion as to why Donalds and Trump perpetuate this narrative. As tensions subsided, Donalds suggested they move on from the topic, leaving the discussion open-ended.