Simone Biles “Black job” Olympics remark conquers social media

Simone Biles’ “Black job” comment is taking over the internet, receiving over 8 million views in its first four hours on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter.

The gymnast won her second all-around gymnastics title on Thursday at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris—her sixth Olympic gold medal in all.

As well as being the most-decorated Olympic gymnast of all time, the win also heralded another historic feat for the 27-year-old, making her the oldest woman to claim the all-around gymnastics title since 1952.

Following Biles’ legendary accomplishment, an X user posted a tribute to the Olympian on Friday.

“Simone Biles being the GOAT, winning Gold medals and dominating gymnastics is her black job,” said Ricky Davila, alongside two photos of Biles smiling with her latest gold medal.

The tribute quickly received millions of views and caught Biles’ attention, with the Team USA star sharing Davila’s post.

“I love my black job,” she wrote to her 1.8 million followers. The post appeared to take aim at Donald Trump, who has recently drawn criticism for using the term.

Newsweek has reached out to representatives for Trump and Biles for comment via email.

What is a “Black Job?”

During the debate with Joe Biden on June 27th, Trump used the phrase “Black jobs” while responding to a question about the Southern border.

“They’re taking Black jobs and they’re taking Hispanic jobs and you haven’t seen it yet but you’re going to see something that’s going to be the worst in our history,” the former president said.

The 78-year-old also used the term during a rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, on June 28, telling the audience that Black Americans were losing “long time” jobs to immigrants.

Trump’s use of the term sparked a wave of memes online, with Black Americans joking about what exactly is a “Black job.”

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, also condemned the phrase.

“There is no such thing as a Black job,” he told CNN at the time. “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.”

‘Another Strong Female Doing Her Black Job’

Several X users praised Biles for poking fun at the term “Black job,” calling the gymnast “a real treasure” and a “living legend.”

“This is black excellence right there,” commented @royal_bobby24.

“Your country is so so so proud of you, as we have been your entire career,” said Jonathan Wahl.

“Another strong female doing her BLACK JOB,” said Keith Aloha. “Way to go Simone.”

However, some users defended Trump, with user Mc DJ commenting: “Why racialize your accomplishments?”

“It’s amazing how yall take everything out of context and run with it! He plainly said black jobs are every American [jobs],” wrote Princess.

“Trump is simply saying that black voters have a right to keep their livelihoods safe from illegal immigrants too,” said @RealRightwinginit, claiming that the Republican politician is “trying to reach out to you to say he’s here for everyone.”