Jobs
Trump’s ‘Black Jobs’ Comment Incites Comedy + Confusion – WBLS
During Thursday’s presidential debate, Donald Trump maintained his position that migrants are taking black and hispanic jobs.
“The fact is that his big kill on the Black people is the millions of people that he’s allowed to come in through the border,” Trump said. “They’re taking Black jobs now — and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people. They’re taking Black jobs, and they’re taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven’t seen it yet, but you’re gonna see something that’s going to be the worst in our history.”
The phrase “Black jobs” was widely condemned by Democrats and Black leaders as vague and insulting. “I’m still wondering, what is a ‘Black job,’” quipped Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, during a news conference with former Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams in Atlanta. Other prominent Biden allies, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Tx.), Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), also condemned Trump’s words following the debate.
The phrase, “Black Jobs” quickly trended on social media with many wondering what jobs the phrase referred to.
Twitter/X
“What exactly are Black and Hispanic Jobs!?!” the NAACP posted to the social platform X.
“There is no such thing as a Black job. That misinformed characterization is a denial of the ubiquity of Black talent. We are doctors, lawyers, school teachers, police officers and firefighters. The list goes on,” said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP.
Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, agreed, posting: “What the hell is a “Black job?!”
“I still don’t understand the ‘black job’ comment, it would have been nice if there was a follow up to understand what he was trying to say,” Omar posted on X.
Some users criticized Trump for what they saw as a racially divisive and uninformed statement. Many highlighted the diverse roles that Black Americans occupy across various professions, rejecting the notion that certain jobs can be categorized by race.
Meanwhile, some took a more humorous route to express their confusion.
“Well, now that the debate is over. Time for us all to get ready for bed so we can be on time to our #BlackJobs tomorrow,” BlackPAC, an organization dedicated to building Black political power, posted along with a meme of actor Viola Davis removing her makeup.
Trump’s comments came in response to CNN moderator Dana Bash asking Biden about what he has done for Black voters, particularly as there appears to be growing dissatisfaction with his White House among the demographic.
Biden, in his response, hit on historically low Black unemployment rates under his administration.