Biden says Trump's disparagement of Haitian immigrants is "simply wrong" and "has to stop"

 President Joe Biden celebrated the contributions of Black Americans and offered criticism of former President Donald Trump’s disparagement of Haitian migrants during a Black Excellence brunch hosted at the White House Friday. 

Biden condemned the false claim promoted by Trump at this week’s presidential debate that Haitian migrants are stealing and eating other people’s pets. Other high-level Republicans, including vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, have propagated the lie. 

“I want to take a moment to say something. Like so many Americans — like (press secretary) Karine (Jean-Pierre), as you point out, a proud Haitian American, a community that’s under attack in our country right now. It’s simply wrong. And there’s no place in America. This has to stop — what he’s doing — has to stop,” Biden said as he began his remarks. 

Biden touted his efforts to place racial equity “at the center of everything we do,” and made a joke about Black jobs, a jab at Trump. 

“We created over 2 million new Black jobs for Black Americans,” he said to laughter, adding, “By the way, the next Black job to be filled is as president of the United States.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, who was originally set to attend the brunch, was not present, with her office citing “scheduling conflicts.” Biden said she “wanted to be here.”

Biden offered praise of the leadership of Black Americans at the conclusion of Congressional Black Caucus Week, highlighting the community’s support for his political career as it reaches its close: “The Black community has always had my back and I’ve always had yours.” The crowd chanted, “Thank you, Joe” in response.  

“This nation would not exist – this is literal – without the blood, sweat, and tears, without the determinations, dreams, and contributions of Black Americans,” Biden said in front of the White House, a building built by enslaved people