At a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris in Wisconsin, former President Barack Obama openly criticized GOP candidate Donald Trump’s history of racially insensitive remarks, especially his recent comments on NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Obama’s message targeted Black and Latino voters, urging them to consider Trump’s divisive rhetoric and long history of controversial statements.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks on Giannis Antetokounmpo
Obama on Trump: Who cannot understand how an NBA superstar can be both Greek and Black… Who spreads ridiculous fantasies that Haitians are eating people’s pets. Who just this past week arranged for one of his supporters to tell jokes about Black people eating watermelon and… pic.twitter.com/8hs8buZc5d
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 3, 2024
During a Milwaukee event, Trump attempted to question Antetokounmpo’s Greek identity by asking, “Who has more Greek in him, the Greek or me?” His remark, aimed at the Milwaukee Bucks player of Nigerian descent, left the crowd in an uncomfortable silence before he added, “Maybe he is the best player in the NBA.” This comment sparked debate, as Trump seemingly failed to understand how someone of African heritage could also be Greek.
Obama Lists Trump’s “Demeaning and Degrading” Record
Obama seized the moment to highlight Trump’s record of demeaning comments about various communities. Addressing the Milwaukee crowd, he asked, “Why would you think the answer is to vote for someone who has a long history of demeaning and disregarding your communities?” He pointed out Trump’s history of stigmatizing Mexican immigrants, spreading offensive stereotypes about Haitians, and tolerating racist tropes.
Challenging Trump’s Views on Multicultural America
Obama further urged Muslim and Jewish Americans to recall Trump’s past associations with Holocaust deniers and his controversial Muslim travel ban. He questioned why any community that values inclusion would support a leader who undermines diversity.
Understanding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Identity
Trump’s remarks have stirred conversations both in the U.S. and Greece, questioning his understanding of cultural identity. Unlike Trump, Antetokounmpo, born to Nigerian immigrants and raised in Greece, identifies as Greek and represents Greece on its national basketball team. He is fluent in Greek and holds Greek citizenship, despite having a multicultural background.
