President Joe Biden recently hosted a White House reception to honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, taking the opportunity to criticize former President Donald Trump. Biden highlighted Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing out the high death toll and the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during Trump’s time in office.
Biden emphasized the significant progress made in vaccine distribution upon entering office. He also signed legislation aimed at addressing the surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans, which rose by 76% in 2020.
During the event, Biden condemned Trump’s attempts to overturn the Affordable Care Act and his inflammatory remarks about immigrants. Biden stressed the importance of comprehensive immigration reform and advocated for unity and inclusivity in the country.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the first South Asian American to hold her position, received praise from Biden for her intelligence and leadership. Harris delivered a message of empowerment to fellow minority lawmakers, urging them to persevere in the face of challenges.
The event highlighted the growing influence of Asian Americans in the U.S. as the fastest-growing group of eligible voters, with a 15% increase in the demographic since 2020, according to the Pew Research Center.
