Chicago, United States

Donald Trump is truly the king of controversy. The Republican presidential candidate, known for his penchant for giving his rivals derisive nicknames — like 'sleepy Joe' — has now questioned the US Vice President Kamala Harris's racial identity.

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In a controversial interaction with African American journalists in Chicago on Wednesday (Jul 31), former President Trump suggested that Kamala Harris had "turned Black" for political purposes. 

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This accusation marked an intensification of Trump's rhetoric against Harris, whom he falsely claimed had initially identified as Indian, but "all of a sudden, she made a turn, and she became a Black person."

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Former US President and 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump answers questions as moderator and journalist Rachel Scott (R) looks on during the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention in Chicago, Illinois, on July 31, 2024.

Former US President and 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump answers questions as moderator and journalist Rachel Scott (R) looks on during the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention in Chicago, Illinois, on July 31, 2024. Photo: AFP.

"So I don't know, is she Indian or is she Black?" he questioned.

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Kamala Harris responds to Trump's attack

Responding to Donald Trump's comments at the National Association of Black Journalists conference, Harris dismissed the Republican's attacks as "the same old show" of "divisiveness and disrespect."

59-year-old Harris, as per news agency AFP, has consistently identified as Black and has even graduated from a historically Black university. A quick search on Google would show you that Kamala's father Donald J. Harris is of Jamaican heritage, while her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a British citizen of Indian heritage.

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Slamming Trump during an address to a sorority gathering Wednesday in Houston, Harris said, "The American people deserve better." 

"We deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us. They are an essential source of our strength."

Shockwaves expected

The remarks by Trump, who has been attempting to boost his appeal among Black voters, are expected to send shockwaves through the 2024 presidential race, reports AFP. 

Trump's comments come as he navigates his campaign strategy less than 100 days before the election, following his conviction two months ago for felony fraud related to hush money payments to a porn star.

Later on Wednesday, at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Trump continued his verbal assault on Harris, accusing her of faking a Southern accent during a recent rally in Atlanta, Georgia. He contrasted Harris with himself, portraying her as a "radical left puppet candidate" while positioning himself as a fighter for America.

"The contrast could not be more stark," said Trump.

"On the one hand you have a radical left puppet candidate who is fake fake fake, and on the other hand you have a president who will fight fight fight for America," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)