Vivek Ramaswamy claims Harris ‘wore’ Indian-American identity for convenience after Trump’s ‘roots’ jab

WASHINGTON, DC: Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy offered his hot take on Kamala Harris' roots during a Fox News interview, where he claimed that the Vice President only considered herself Indian-American when "convenient."

The issue became a burning question for Republicans after former president and the party's nominee, Donald Trump, voiced his opinion at the NABJ convention in Chicago when asked by Republicans if Harris was a DEI hire.

"I've known (Harris) a long time indirectly... and she was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn't know she was Black, until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black," Trump said. "So I don't know, is she Indian or is she Black?" he added. 

Vivek Ramaswamy claims Kamala Harris 'cast aside' her Indian-American identity

The biotech entrepreneur drew a comparison between Harris' heritage and his own when asked to share his views on the subject at Fox News.

"On a very personal level, my parents were immigrants to this country, legal immigrants from southern India- very same part of India that (Harris') mother also immigrated from," he noted.

"I think it's a hard fact... it's a fact whether you like it or not, that many Indian-Americans in the US are indeed somewhat offended by the way Kamala has suddenly cast aside the Indian-American side of identity," continued Ramaswamy. "She leaned into it when she ran for Office in California- big Asian-American and Indian-American population."

"So she wore that when it was convenient. She's wearing a different identity now when it is politically convenient on a national stage."

However, he went on to disavow identity politics, stating, "Personally, I don't think we should be relying on these ethnic identities at all. We're actually American. And the problem is, when you're Kamala Harris and you actually lean into your identity politics, then you open the door to that type of criticism."

"But if you ask me, that shouldn't be how this election is decided one way or another. It should be decided on our own identity as Americans and what our vision is for the future of our country. And the number one thing missing in Kamala Harris' candidacy is that she lacks that vision for the country," he added.

Vivek Ramaswamy hailed after he slams Kamala Harris for leaning into 'identity politics'  

Many social media users agreed with Vivek Ramaswamy's criticism of Kamala Harris and praised him for his opinion to focus on politics and not identity politics.

"As a black man, I’m equally offended. She just picks up our culture and identity when it fits her political needs. What a disgrace," wrote a user.

"Absolutely. It's clear she's playing both sides when it benefits her," stated another.

"She offends Indians. She offends blacks. She offends Americans," slammed a third.

"Kamala is treating race like it’s nail polish. She’s offensive," jibed a fourth user.

"Vivek, once again, proves he's one of the most intelligent people in modern politics," commented a fifth.

"I never even looked at Vivek as an Indian. I saw him for his ideas and what he stood for. But for some reason Kamala, I see her as race baiter," quipped yet another.

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