During his appearance on The Hugh Hewitt Show, former President Donald Trump made the alarming assertion that immigrants have “bad genes” that predispose them to commit serious crimes, including murder. He suggested that a significant number of convicted murderers have entered the United States illegally, though he provided no evidence to support this claim.
Trump’s comments were made in the context of criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris’s border policies. He suggested that her approach is misguided and likened it to a “Communist Party-type system.” He accused Harris of promoting government control over various aspects of life, including housing and food assistance.
The former president reiterated a previous claim from his campaign, stating, “How about allowing people to come to an open border, 13,000 of which were murderers.” He asserted that many of these individuals had committed multiple murders, painting a grim picture of immigration in the U.S.
Widespread Backlash
Trump’s remarks have ignited controversy and backlash, with critics labeling his comments as dangerous and inflammatory. Experts in genetics and criminology have also condemned the idea of linking genetics to criminal behavior, emphasizing that such claims lack scientific support.
The Broader Implications
This incident raises concerns about the rhetoric surrounding immigration in the U.S. and its potential impact on public opinion. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump’s statements reflect his continued focus on immigration as a key issue in his campaign.
Trump’s controversial claims about immigrants and “bad genes” have sparked a heated debate about the intersection of genetics and criminal behavior. As discussions about immigration policies continue, the implications of such statements are likely to reverberate throughout the political landscape.