During the first presidential debate of 2024, former president Donald Trump sparked controversy with his remarks on immigration and Black Americans, leading many voters of color and lawmakers to question his comments about immigrants taking over “Black jobs.”
After President Biden cited low unemployment and claimed that it aided Black Americans economically, Trump accused Biden of creating inflation and said immigrants are taking jobs from Black and Hispanic workers.
“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.”
Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Texas Democrat, addressed Trump’s statement on social media, highlighting that she is one of fewer than 60 Black women ever sworn into Congress.
“As one of less than 60 black women to swear into Congress, I’m assuming Trump doesn’t think my job is a “black job,” but MY BLACK TAIL will be up early to do the work of my amazing & beautiful coalition of people that make up TX-30!” Crockett wrote on X.
As one of less than 60 black women to swear into Congress, I’m assuming Trump doesn’t think my job is a “black job,” but MY BLACK TAIL will be up early to do the work of my amazing & beautiful coalition of people that make up TX-30! I’ll show up & fight MAGA’s BS on their behalf…
— Jasmine Crockett (@JasmineForUS) June 28, 2024
Representative Ilhan Omar expressed confusion about Trump’s remarks and wished the moderators had sought clarification.
“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 wrote on X.
Take a look at more initial reactions:
The use of “Black Jobs” by Donald Trump is highly concerning. Employment should be based on skills and merit, not racial labels. Let’s focus on creating equal opportunities for all Americans without divisive language. #PresidentialDebate2024 #debate
— Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) June 28, 2024
Black voters are EXTREMELY upset about some of Trump’s comments from tonight’s debate. One debate watcher stated “No black person voting should vote for any person that said immigrants are taking Black jobs!”
The question on the table is “What are Black jobs?”
— 𝓝𝓲𝓴𝓴𝓲 𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓼 (@NikkiBarnesFL) June 28, 2024
“Where are these ‘Black jobs,’ and what are the ‘Black jobs?’ Where do I apply? … I would like to know if there is a special bank of jobs for Black anchors and Black federal prosecutors.”
— Sunny Hostin questions Trump’s debate claim that immigrants are taking “Black jobs.” pic.twitter.com/EzRPJUm3tf
— The Recount (@therecount) June 28, 2024
The moderators are not pressing them enough for me. I understand we only have 90 mins, but there’s certainly a few things that could’ve been clarified or challenged including…..
“a black job”? 😟
— DaLaun Dillard (@DDillardTV) June 28, 2024
And some social media users poked fun at Trump’s comments. See some of those reactions:
Don’t mind me, just posting some Black jobs. pic.twitter.com/i0wSdu0E5H
— Aditya । आदित्य । #GenZ ☮️🇮🇳🇺🇦🇺🇲🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@thepeacetweeter) June 28, 2024
Alyssa Vega can be reached at alyssa.vega@globe.com.
