Not even NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo escaped the racial rhetoric of Donald Trump. Just days before the election, Trump questioned the Greek identity of the NBA player, comparing it to his nonexistent connection to Greece.
Speaking at the Milwaukee Bucks arena, the Fiserv Forum—where the Republican National Convention was held last year—the Republican candidate began by expressing excitement about his recent rally at Madison Square Garden in New York, where several speakers, including comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, made racially insensitive comments. Among these, Puerto Rico was referred to as a “garbage island.”
Trump went on to liken his rally to a gathering at the NBA stadium, segueing into comments about Giannis Antetokounmpo, disregarding the player’s personal and cultural background.
“Your team is very good. I’d say the Greek guy is a great player. Do you agree? Now tell me, who’s more Greek: him or me? I’d say we’re the same, right?” Trump said, seemingly ignoring the fact that Antetokounmpo was born in Greece to Nigerian parents, holds Greek citizenship, speaks Greek, and represents Greece internationally. Trump did, however, praise his skills. “He’s an incredible player, maybe the best in the NBA. They say he’s a good guy too. But with your help, we’ll beat Kamala Harris and make America great again,” Trump concluded.
The “Wonderful White Skin” Remark
Just hours earlier, at another campaign event in Michigan, Trump directed further remarks at his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, before boasting about his “wonderful white skin.” Explaining its “whiteness,” he joked that his campaign prevented him from getting a tan.
“I could be sitting on a beach, with waves hitting my face. My wonderful white skin would have a nice tan. I have the whitest skin because I don’t have time for sunbathing. But I have this beautiful white skin. And you know? It could be beautifully tanned,” he said, taking a swipe at Harris by questioning her racial identity.
