Kamala Harris has signaled that black Americans could receive reparations if she becomes president.
The Democratic candidate said she is “clear-eyed about the disparities that exist” between blacks and whites in the United States, adding that the controversial policy “must be studied.”
The comments were seized on by rival Donald Trump, whose campaign said it showed she was a “radical liberal.”
The Republican campaign highlighted a 2020 story on NBC that said the cost of repairs could rise to $12 trillion (£9.2 trillion).
But Ms Harris told an American podcast she is popular with black men: “So my agenda, well, first of all, in terms of reparations, has to be studied.” There is no doubt about that. And I have been very clear in that position in terms of my immediate plan.”
Vice President Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event at Washington Crossing Historic Park, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in Washington Crossing.
Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump speaks during a town hall hosted by Spanish-language network Univision, in Doral, Florida, US, on October 16, 2024.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during the International Investment Summit at the Guildhall in London, Britain, on October 14, 2024.
His comments come after the Prime Minister’s spokesman Sir Keir Starmer said Britain will not pay reparations.
The No 10 clarified his position ahead of this month’s Commonwealth summit. Leaders of several Commonwealth nations have demanded reparations from Britain for its role in the slave trade.
Harris also reaffirmed her call to legalize marijuana nationwide, which she stated was part of her plan to boost the economy of the Black community.