Rep. Byron Donalds Faces Backlash Over Trump’s Comments on Kamala Harris’ Identity

Rep. Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican and ally of former President Donald Trump, faced intense scrutiny during an interview on ABC's "This Week" regarding Trump's recent comments questioning Vice President Kamala Harris' racial identity. Trump had claimed that Harris, who is of Indian and Jamaican descent, only recently began to identify as Black, a statement that has drawn widespread criticism. When pressed by host George Stephanopoulos, Donalds struggled to denounce Trump's remarks, instead attempting to shift the focus to Harris' record as a senator and vice president. The interview highlighted a growing divide within the Republican Party, as some members express concern over Trump's focus on Harris' race rather than her policy positions. Donalds attempted to downplay the significance of Trump's comments, suggesting they were only briefly mentioned at a recent rally. However, Stephanopoulos challenged him on why he would not outright condemn the former president's remarks, emphasizing the need for clarity on such sensitive issues. As the controversy unfolds, Harris' campaign has chosen to downplay Trump's comments, framing them as a distraction from substantive policy discussions. ABC's Rachel Scott noted that Trump's remarks have alienated some Republicans who hoped he would avoid racially charged rhetoric, particularly in front of the National Association of Black Journalists. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions within the GOP and the challenges they face in addressing race and identity in the political arena.