Trump's False Attacks on Kamala Harris's Race: A Dangerous Misinformation Tactic

By Josiah Carrasco- Opinion

July 31, 2024

At the recent National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference, former President Donald Trump launched a series of false and racially charged attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris. These statements not only misrepresented Harris's identity but also perpetuated harmful stereotypes and misinformation, highlighting a troubling tactic in political rhetoric.

During his speech, Trump claimed, "Kamala Harris was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden, she made a turn and she went, she became a Black person." This comment grossly misrepresents Harris's heritage and her consistent self-identification as a Black and South Asian American woman. Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, has always embraced her multicultural identity. She attended Howard University, a historically Black institution, and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically Black sorority.

1. Misrepresentation of Racial Identity: Trump's assertion that Harris "became Black" is not only incorrect but also offensive. Harris has long identified as Black, having been involved in communities and organizations that reflect this identity. This includes her membership in the Congressional Black Caucus and her advocacy for civil rights.
   

2. Claims About Abolishing ICE: Trump falsely stated that Harris supported the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In reality, Harris has called for reforms to the agency's practices, advocating for more humane and just immigration enforcement but has not endorsed abolishing the agency altogether.

3. Allegations of Supporting Defunding the Police: Another frequent falsehood propagated by Trump is the claim that Harris supports defunding the police. Harris has consistently called for reforming police practices and increasing accountability but has not supported defunding police departments.

These attacks not only mislead the public but also aim to undermine the credibility of Harris based on unfounded and racially charged accusations. As the political landscape heats up, it is crucial for voters and the media to hold candidates accountable for their statements and focus on factual discourse.