Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently launched a controversial attack on Vice President Kamala Harris, questioning her racial identity and suggesting she changed her race for political advantage. During an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists conference on July 31, Trump questioned, “Is she Indian or is she Black?” He inaccurately claimed Harris had previously identified as Indian but then switched to identifying as Black.

These comments represent a new level of hostility from Trump towards Harris, who has consistently identified as Black and graduated from a historically Black university. In response, Harris condemned Trump’s remarks as divisive and disrespectful. Speaking at a sorority event in Houston, Texas, she stated, “The American people deserve better. We deserve a leader who recognizes that our differences do not divide us, but are a vital source of our strength.”

Trump’s remarks come amid a tumultuous period for his presidential campaign, which faced a major setback on July 21 when President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee. Since then, Harris’s popularity has surged, and she has amassed over $200 million in campaign contributions.

Trump’s attack on Harris is expected to have significant repercussions in the 2024 presidential race, as he tries to enhance his appeal among Black voters. Following the interview, Trump continued his criticisms at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where he survived an assassination attempt earlier this month. He labeled Harris’s public persona as “phony” and criticized her attempt to adopt a Southern accent during a rally in Atlanta, Georgia.

Trump’s campaign has been struggling to find effective strategies since Biden’s exit. Harris, who is the first Black, female, and South Asian-origin vice president, has faced various derogatory nicknames from Trump, such as ‘Lyin’ Kamala,’ ‘Laughin’ Kamala,’ and ‘Crazy Kamala.’ Recently, Trump has escalated his attacks, making unfounded accusations including anti-Semitism and extreme positions on newborns.

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