Kamala Harris Responds Simply to Trump’s Claim She “Turned Black”

In July, former President Donald Trump stirred controversy with comments suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris “happened to turn Black” for political advantage. Now, Harris has responded.

During a recent interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Kamala Harris was asked to address Trump’s remarks. Shaking her head, she dismissed the comment, saying, “Same old tired playbook. Next question, please.”

Trump’s original statement was made during an interview with the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago, where he questioned whether Harris, who is of both Black and South Asian descent, was truly committed to her Black heritage.

“She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage,” Trump claimed. “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 further speculated, “I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t, because she was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she went—she became a Black person. I think somebody should look into that, too.”

Harris’ interview with CNN marks her first major television appearance since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee. Conducted in Savannah, Georgia, alongside her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the discussion also touched on their plans for their first day in office if they win the election.

“First and foremost, one of my highest priorities is to do what we can to support and strengthen the middle class,” Kamala Harris stated. “When I look at the aspirations, the goals, the ambitions of the American people, I think that people are ready for a new way forward, in a way that generations of Americans have been fueled by hope and by optimism.”

Portions of the interview can be viewed above and below.