“Lazy as Hell”: Trump Accused of Reviving Racist Trope in Attack on Kamala Harris

Former President Donald Trump is facing backlash after using what many see as a racially charged insult to describe Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her “lazy” during a campaign stop on Tuesday. Democrats have condemned Trump’s comments, accusing him of resurrecting a harmful stereotype about Black women in an effort to undermine Harris’ qualifications.

While addressing his audience, Trump took aim at Harris, saying, “I was going to hit her really hard on the trail today, but now I don’t have to, because she’s off. Do you know why? She’s lazy as hell, and she’s got that reputation.”

Accusations of Coded Language

Trump’s comments sparked immediate criticism, with many arguing that his use of the term “lazy” plays into racist and sexist stereotypes that have long been used to demean Black people, particularly women. Rachel Noerdlinger, a Democratic communications strategist and senior adviser to Win With Black Women, told The Washington Post that Trump’s remarks were coded language designed to discredit Harris based on her race and gender.

“Trump is reviving the old trope that Black women are unqualified for jobs historically held by White men,” Noerdlinger said. She pointed out the irony of calling Harris “lazy” for taking a break from the campaign trail while Trump, as president, made nearly 300 trips to the golf course. “Not having a campaign event while you’re in the middle of also governing isn’t ‘lazy’ — making almost 300 trips to the golf course as president is,” she added.

Trump Campaign Defends the Remarks

Despite the backlash, the Trump campaign doubled down on the former president’s comments. Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump, denied that the remark had anything to do with Harris’ race or gender.

“She is exhausted and lazy compared to the robust schedule President Trump has maintained, and has nothing to do with her race or gender,” Cheung told The Washington Post. He argued that Trump was merely comparing Harris’ campaign activity to Trump’s, suggesting that her reduced presence on the trail is a sign of weakness.

A History of Harmful Stereotypes

The term “lazy” has a long and painful history when it comes to its use against Black people. According to The National Museum of African American History and Culture, this stereotype dates back to the era of slavery and has been perpetuated throughout American history to dehumanize and demean Black individuals. In particular, Black women have been subjected to such harmful tropes, often being portrayed as unfit or unqualified for leadership roles.

Trump’s comment adds fuel to a larger debate about how race and gender play a role in political discourse, particularly when it comes to figures like Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to serve as vice president. For many of Harris’ supporters, Trump’s attack is seen as part of a broader pattern of attempts to undermine her legitimacy based on her identity.

As the 2024 election campaign continues, this latest incident is likely to heighten tensions and prompt further discussion about the intersection of race, gender, and politics. While Trump’s supporters may view his comments as part of his signature style of unfiltered rhetoric, critics argue that such language does lasting damage by reinforcing harmful stereotypes.