Republican senators were visibly uncomfortable when confronted about former President Donald Trump's continued false assertions regarding Vice President Kamala Harris' racial identity during an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention. Trump had doubled down on his false claims in a social media post, sharing a family portrait of Harris and commenting on her Indian heritage.
During the NABJ interview, Trump incorrectly questioned Harris' race, stating, "I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now, she wants to be known as Black. So, I don't know, is she Indian or is she Black?" Harris is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother.
Republican senators attempted to deflect attention from Trump's remarks and shift the conversation to his policy achievements. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., suggested Trump should focus on policy rather than questioning Harris' race, acknowledging that Harris has always embraced her heritage.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., admitted that Trump's comments were a distraction, emphasizing the need to focus on issues like the economy, border security, and national security. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, avoided addressing Trump's comments directly, instead highlighting Trump's willingness to engage in challenging environments.
House Republican leaders have advised their members to focus on Harris' record rather than her race or gender. Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized drawing a contrast between Harris' record and Trump's strengths, insisting this approach has nothing to do with race.
Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., condemned Trump's comments. Warren described them as "disgusting" and praised Harris for her response, while Warnock labeled them a "distraction" from more pressing issues.
Trump's continued false attacks on Harris' racial identity have sparked significant controversy, highlighting the ongoing divisions within American politics.
