Former President Trump told a crowd on Wednesday that Vice President Harris "became a Black person" after identifying as Indian for years. This comment came after a reporter's question about her race.
Trump was at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention. ABC News’ Rachel Scott asked if he agreed with Republican claims that Harris was a "DEI" hire.
"I've known her for a long time, indirectly," Trump said. "She was always of Indian heritage. I didn't know she was Black until years ago. Now she wants to be known as Black. Is she Indian or Black?"
Scott informed Trump that Harris always identified as Black and attended a historically Black college.
"I respect either one," Trump continued. "But she was Indian all the way. Then she became Black. Somebody should look into that."
Watch the latest video at foxnews.comHarris' mother is Indian, and her father is a Black man from Jamaica.
Michael Tyler, Harris’ campaign communications director, responded quickly. "Trump's hostility on stage today mirrors his entire life," Tyler said. "He failed Black families and left the country in a ditch. Trump cannot unite America; he divides us."
"Today’s tirade is a taste of Trump’s chaotic MAGA rallies," Tyler added. "The American people will see Harris offering opportunity and freedom. Trump needs to stop playing games and show up to the debate on September 10."
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also commented. "What Trump said is insulting," she said. "Only Harris can speak to her experience. It’s insulting for anyone, especially a former president."
"Kamala Harris is the Vice President," Jean-Pierre added. "We must respect her name."
Trump posted on Truth Social, writing, "The questions were Rude and Nasty, but we CRUSHED IT!"
In 2016, Harris became the first Indian-American U.S. senator. Four years later, she was the first Black woman on a major party's presidential ticket.
Choosing Harris, Biden embraced a former rival familiar with national campaigns.
Harris' record as California attorney general was scrutinized during the 2020 primary. Some liberals and younger Black voters saw her as out of step on racism and police brutality. She called herself a "progressive prosecutor" supporting law enforcement reforms.
Born in 1964 to a Jamaican father and Indian mother, Harris spent her formative years in Berkeley, California. She often speaks of her deep bond with her mother, her biggest influence.
Harris won her first election in 2003 as San Francisco’s district attorney. She created a re-entry program for low-level drug offenders and cracked down on student truancy.