Olympic gymnastics star Simone Biles joined the U.S. presidential race conversation by responding to former President Donald Trump’s remarks about “Black jobs.” Biles’ post on social media expressed her pride in her occupation. This response came after singer Ricky Davila praised Biles as the greatest of all time in her field, capturing gold medals.
Following her victorious performance in the all-around Paris Olympics gymnastics finals, securing her ninth gold medal by defeating Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, Biles, 27, became the oldest Olympic women’s gymnastics champion since 1952.
Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential candidate, faced backlash for his comments during a debate with Democratic President Joe Biden in June, where he suggested that migrants were taking jobs from Black and Hispanic Americans. Critics condemned his words as racist and divisive, aimed at broadening his support beyond his white conservative base.
During a recent National Association of Black Journalists conference, Trump was questioned about what he considered a “Black job,” to which he replied that it was any job held by someone. This response was met with disapproval from the audience.
Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, had previously criticized Biles in 2021 after she withdrew from the Olympics citing mental health concerns, sparking a global conversation on the topic. Vance questioned why Biles did not continue competing, suggesting that society should not celebrate individuals for their moments of vulnerability.
Neither Trump’s campaign nor Biles’ representatives have provided immediate comments on Biles’ social media post or her views on the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
