Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance defended Donald Trump's controversial remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris' racial identity, calling it "totally reasonable" for Trump to describe Harris as someone who "pretends to be somebody different, depending on the audience she's talking to." This defense comes amid growing criticism over Trump's comments at the National Association of Black Journalists' convention, where he falsely claimed Harris had only recently "turned Black."
Vance, speaking to CNN's Steve Contorno, dismissed concerns about Trump's remarks, stating, "Look, all he said is that Kamala Harris is a chameleon." Vance added that Trump's comments did not give him pause, emphasizing his view that Harris frequently changes her identity based on her audience.
Vance's comments come after Trump ignited a political firestorm with his statements about Harris, who is the biracial daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father. Trump suggested that Harris had only recently begun identifying as Black, a claim that has been widely discredited and condemned as false. Harris, born in Oakland, California, and a graduate of the historically Black Howard University, has always been open about her racial heritage.
Vance further criticized Harris, accusing her of adopting a "fake Southern accent" while campaigning in Atlanta and suggesting she was insincere about her identity. "She is everything to everybody, and she pretends to be somebody different depending on which audience she is in front of," Vance said.
Harris' campaign spokesperson, Sarafina Chitika, responded sharply, calling Vance "the most unpopular Vice Presidential nominee in history" and accusing him and Trump of "trafficking in hatred and lies to divide the American people."
Trump's remarks have sparked a broader controversy, potentially undermining his campaign's efforts to appeal to non-White voters. During his address at the NABJ convention, Trump questioned Harris' racial identity, likening her to a "DEI hire" - a reference to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
"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."
Trump's comments mirror past attacks on Black political figures, including his promotion of the "birther" conspiracy theory against former President Barack Obama.
Harris responded to Trump's remarks during a speech in Houston, describing them as divisive and disrespectful. "It was the same old show, the divisiveness and the disrespect. Let me just say, the American people deserve better," Harris said.
Previously a vocal critic of Trump, Vance has altered his stance, now supporting Trump's narrative and dismissing concerns about his own political flexibility. When asked if he too could be seen as a chameleon, Vance deflected by criticizing Harris for her policy reversals, particularly on fracking, police funding, and border security.
"I think it's totally reasonable for the president to call that out, and that's all he did," Vance insisted.
In the same interview, Vance affirmed his readiness to assume the presidency if necessary, highlighting his diverse experience as a businessman, Marine, and senator. "I'm absolutely ready to be president on Day One," Vance stated.
Vance also credited Trump for a recent prisoner swap involving Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan, arguing that such actions demonstrate Trump's strength and influence on the global stage.
Additionally, Vance criticized the Biden administration's handling of border security, accusing Harris of failing in her role as "border czar." He argued that the administration has the tools needed to secure the border but lacks the will to enforce them effectively.
"They have the tools necessary," Vance said. "They just need to empower Border Patrol to tell people who want to come in illegally, 'You're not allowed to do that.'"
