The White House on Wednesday tore into former President Donald Trump after he questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity during an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists.
When asked about his comments calling Ms. Harris a “DEI hire,” Mr. Trump accused her of switching her racial identity to benefit herself politically.
“She was always of Indian heritage and she was only promoting Indian heritage. 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,” he said.
“Is she Indian or is she Black? I respect either one,” Mr. Trump continued.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre didn’t hold back when asked about Mr. Trump’s comments, calling them “repulsive” and “insulting.”
“No one has any right to tell someone who they are, how they identify,” she said. “That is no one’s right. It is someone’s own decision. Only she can speak to her experience.”
Ms. Jean-Pierre also said that Ms. Harris should be treated with “respect,” given her position as vice president.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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