Trump's Genetic Slur: A Disturbing Attack on Migrants' Humanity
Former President Donald Trump has once again ignited a firestorm of controversy with his latest remarks, this time suggesting that migrants possess "bad genes" and are inherently predisposed to criminal behavior. In an interview on "The Hugh Hewitt Show," Trump launched a scathing attack on Vice President Kamala Harris's immigration policies, employing a disturbing and scientifically unfounded argument.
Trump's comments, aired on Monday, were a direct response to Harris's proposals for managing the southern border. He claimed that allowing people to enter the country through an open border would result in the influx of murderers, stating, "Many of them murdered far more than one person, and they’re now happily living in the United States." In a shocking display of genetic determinism, Trump added, "You know, now a murderer, I believe this, it’s in their genes. And we got a lot of bad genes in our country right now."
The former president's claims have been met with swift condemnation and fact-checking. NBC News has reached out to the Trump campaign for further clarification, as the 13,000 figure he cited is misleading. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's data does not account for individuals detained outside of their jurisdiction, and many of the alleged murderers crossed the border during Trump's own presidency.
Border crossings have seen a decline this year, attributed to a combination of Biden administration policies and Mexican government efforts, following pressure from the Biden administration.
Trump's rhetoric on immigration has long been disparaging and divisive. He infamously began his 2016 presidential campaign with a complaint about Mexico sending "not the best" people to the United States. His comments have since escalated, with accusations of immigrants "poisoning the blood of our country," a phrase that drew comparisons to Adolf Hitler and rebuke from Republican lawmakers.
This is not the first instance of Trump invoking race science. In 2020, he praised a predominantly white crowd in Minnesota for their "good genes," alluding to the white supremacist belief known as "racehorse theory." Trump's remarks at the 2020 rally echoed this theory, stating, "You have good genes. You know that, right? You have good genes. A lot of it is about the genes, isn’t it, don’t you believe? The racehorse theory. You think we’re so different? You have good genes in Minnesota."
Trump's latest remarks have sparked outrage and concern among critics, who see them as a dangerous and inaccurate portrayal of migrants. The article's target audience, professionals in the energy sector, may find these comments particularly concerning, given the potential impact on public perception and policy-making.
As the debate surrounding Trump's statements continues, it is crucial to separate fact from fiction and address the underlying issues of immigration and border security with a nuanced and informed approach.