On Tuesday, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump labeled his Democratic rival Kamala Harris as “lazy,” using language that has historically been directed at Black individuals in a derogatory manner. Trump made these remarks during a campaign rally in Doral, Florida, aimed at gaining support from Latino voters. “Who in their right mind takes time off when there are only 14 days left?” Trump questioned. “She is lazy. That’s just a fact.”
While Trump was making these comments, Harris was engaged in meetings in Washington, D.C., preparing for interviews with Telemundo and NBC, scheduled to air later in the evening. This downtime marked her first break after over two weeks packed with public appearances and political events across essential states, which included a three-state itinerary on Monday that took her from Pennsylvania to Michigan, concluding in Wisconsin.
Throughout his campaign, Trump has frequently described Harris as ineffectual, insinuating that she lacks mental sharpness. He reiterated these sentiments during his recent event, branding her as “slow” and suggesting she has a “low IQ.”
The Harris campaign did not provide an immediate response to Trump’s latest criticisms. However, Ian Sams, a spokesperson for her campaign, pointed out that Trump had opted to cancel a planned town hall with prominent allies, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, just before his evening rally in North Carolina. “Donald Trump seems to have a penchant for canceling campaign events… especially with only two weeks remaining…,” Sams noted on social media, adding that the town hall appeared to lack appeal, which could have motivated its cancellation.
Trump has a history of questioning the dedication and work ethic of his political opponents. He accused President Joe Biden during the 2020 election of hiding out in his basement, while he himself was hosting large gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2016, he similarly characterized Hillary Clinton as physically frail and low-energy.
Moreover, Trump’s rhetoric has often included attacks on individuals’ racial backgrounds, making racially charged comments a staple of his public persona. His past also reflects allegations of discrimination, including a federal lawsuit claiming he engaged in discriminatory practices against Black renters in the 1970s. One notable event from the 1980s involved Trump advocating for the death penalty after five Black and Latino teenagers, known as the Central Park Five, were wrongfully accused of a crime. The group later had their convictions overturned when another individual confessed.
Recently, the now-Exonerated Five filed a lawsuit against Trump for making “false and defamatory statements” during a debate with Harris, where he inaccurately claimed that the victim of the crime had died and that the wrongfully accused had confessed guilt.
Using the term “lazy” to describe Harris, who identifies as Black and South Asian, subtly reinforces harmful stereotypes historically associated with Black Americans, implying they are indolent or incompetent. The National Museum of African American History and Culture notes that these damaging stereotypes have served to dehumanize African Americans throughout history. Various stereotypical traits—including laziness and submissiveness—have been unjustly assigned to this community for centuries, a narrative that supported the exploitation of Black lives during slavery.
Despite these longstanding prejudices, Black Americans have made significant economic advancements over the years, particularly during the Great Migration—where millions relocated from the South to the North for job opportunities—and through the establishment of a strong middle class following crucial civil and voting rights legislation in the 1960s. Nevertheless, systemic obstacles have perpetuated a wealth gap between Black and white households that persists today.
Trump’s critique of Harris frequently taps into assertions about her abilities and competence, suggesting flaws that differentiate her from Biden. During a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, he remarked, “Crooked Joe Biden has lost his mental edge. It’s tragic, but Kamala Harris—there is something off about her. I genuinely believe she was born with it. There is definitely something lacking, and deep down, everyone acknowledges this.”
When questioned about his remarks regarding Harris, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, Karoline Leavitt, affirmed, “He’s correct. Election Day is nearing, and Kamala Harris is choosing to remain inactive.”