Biden condemns Trump’s derogatory comments on Haitians, praises black Americans

US President Joe Biden praised the contributions of Black Americans while delivering a sharp rebuke to former US President Donald Trump for his derogatory remarks about Haitian immigrants.

Speaking at the White House, Biden condemned Trump’s false claims made during the last presidential debate, in which Trump alleged that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating cats and dogs.

Several Republicans, including Vice Presidential candidate Senator J.D. Vance, echoed this claim.

Biden stated, "I want to take this moment to address something important. As I’ve said before, and as White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, a proud Haitian American, has emphasized, there is a community under attack in our country right now, and that’s completely unacceptable. There’s no place for this in America. Trump’s actions must stop."

Biden also highlighted his administration's focus on racial equality, saying it is "at the heart of everything we do," and took a jab at Trump with a lighthearted joke about job creation for Black Americans.

Laughing, Biden said, "We’ve created over two million new jobs for Black Americans," then jokingly added, "And by the way, the next job to be filled is President of the United States."

Vice President Kamala Harris, who was scheduled to attend the event, was absent due to a scheduling conflict, though Biden noted that she wished she could have been there.

Biden concluded his remarks in front of the White House, a building constructed by enslaved people, saying, "This nation wouldn’t exist without the blood, sweat, and tears — the dreams, designs, and contributions of Black Americans."