On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month event that, according to reports, shifted focus away from the celebration of Latino culture.
Trump began the address with a prepared monologue about the recent U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, then shifted to topics such as his stance on Iran, a strike to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and the planned White House ballroom, telling guests they would be the first to step on its floor. He also mentioned New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, praising him and expressing concern over his injury.
The event largely omitted references to Hispanic heritage, instead highlighting Trump’s claim of winning more Hispanic votes than any other Republican president. He cited a call from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and asserted that he had won “every” town along the U.S.-Mexico border, statements that are inaccurate because Trump lost El Paso County and the city of El Paso in all three of his campaigns.
Trump acknowledged that Republicans face a “bloodbath” in the upcoming midterms and blamed his own messaging for alienating Hispanic voters. He urged the party to “turn this around” and promised to campaign daily in October for vulnerable Republican candidates, while noting that the economy remains a concern with high gas prices and rising costs.
The gathering concluded with Trump inviting attendees to the unfinished White House ballroom and making a racially insensitive remark, stating, “Only a Hispanic could survive that fall!” The event has drawn criticism for its tone and lack of focus on Hispanic culture.
