Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) said President Donald Trump's role in the case of imprisoned rapper A$AP Rocky case is a misuse of power which "has to end" while speaking at the NAACP Convention’s presidential candidate forum on Wednesday.
A$AP Rocky has been imprisoned in Sweden since July 3 after a June 30 altercation and Trump has called for his release, as have Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. The president has pursued additional measures to pressure the Swedish government to release the artist, including speaking with the Swedish prime minister about the case and sending a State Department official to monitor the developing case—but Harris appeared unaware of any of those facts.
"As president, how would you handle the A$AP Rocky case in Sweden?" asked moderator April Ryan. "How will you use your power to make sure misuse of power doesn’t happen in cases like this, and that this case would stay in the State Department and not go to the White House?"
"There’s no question that this White House is, has been playing politics with his role of leadership, and it has to end. This president, I just want to back up for a second, so you know I have fought predators," Harris began, before spending a few minutes going after the president. The exchange was first reported by Mediaite.
"So you’re saying this is another piece on the rap sheet of Donald Trump, this misuse of power in the A$AP Rocky case?" Ryan asked.
"Yes," Harris said. Her response seems to indicate an unfamiliarity with the situation involving the Harlem-born rapper as President Trump has been actively involved in securing the release of the imprisoned rapper.
Later on in the interview, Harris appeared to try and pump up the audience with lines from a famous James Brown song.
"All right, say it loud," Ryan said to Harris.
"Yes," Harris said again, then adding, "And I’m black and I’m proud!"
"Wait say that again, I didn’t hear you. What did you say?" Ryan asked.
"Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud!" Harris responded.