CNN’s Boris Sanchez Throws Down With Republican Congressman Over Trump’s Comments on Harris’s Race: ‘It’s Not Gaslighting!’

CNN anchor Boris Sanchez sparred with Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) on Tuesday over whether or not Republicans brought up the attacks on Kamala Harris that led to President Donald Trump claiming she recently “turned” Black for political advantage.

“Congressman Donalds, there is one more question I have for you. Famously, earlier this summer, Donald Trump made some comments about Kamala Harris’s race during the National Association of Black Journalists Conference, and he essentially said that she sort of used her blackness to advance her career, saying that he didn’t even know that she was Black because she didn’t put it out there. And I’m paraphrasing his remark there. She said in response that she invited him to say that to her face. Do you think Donald Trump might do that tonight?” Sanchez asked.

“No, because this is an issue nobody even really cares about. He mentioned it once. He hasn’t mentioned it again. What Donald Trump is focused on is the American people. It’s fixing our economy so people can afford food, can afford housing, and get their car fixed. Could potentially go on a vacation. It’s securing our border so we don’t have illegal aliens taking resources from the American people, hardworking American people, Americans who are down on their luck,” Donalds replied.

Donalds ended his lengthy reply by saying, “And so I’m just telling you now, Donald Trump’s going to talk to her about the issues that are going to fix our country and make it great again.”

“Respectfully, Congressman, he was the one that brought it up initially, unprompted. Congressman Byron Donalds, we do appreciate you sharing your perspective,” Sanchez said as he wrapped the interview.

“Boris, you’re wrong about that, but okay,” Donalds hit back.

“Did he not bring up the issue of her race before anyone else did, suggesting that she used it to her advantage?” Sanchez questioned.

“It was actually it was actually Rachel. Boris, it was actually Rachel Scott of ABC at the National Association of Black Journalists that asked him about whether he thought she was a DEI hire or not. So Rachel Scott is the one that brought race…” Donald replied as Sanchez cut in, “She was quoting Republicans who have brought that up.”

“She asked that question,” Donald shot back.

“She was citing Republicans who brought that up,” Sanchez clarified.

“Did Rachel Scott ask that question of Donald Trump or not? Because last time I checked…” demanded Donalds as Sanchez said, “Did Republicans not make that accusation that she’s a DEI hire”

After some cross-talk, Donalds could be heard saying, “Boris let’s talk about this appropriately now.”

“We are,” Sanchez said.

“Boris, let’s talk about this appropriately. There were there was one Republican that said it on Capitol Hill. Another Republican was asked about it. They both said, well, I don’t know. Yeah, I think she was. When they were asked, actually, by Manu Raju of your network. So that’s exactly what happened. Rachel Scott asked Donald Trump a week later. He made his response. Is he going around in and rally after rally or policy speech or doing his part in the podcast interviews he does or network interviews that he does? Is he talking about her identity? No, he is not. He was asked a question,” Donalds said.

“Possibly because of the blowback that he got for his response,” Sanchez replied.

“And now that means all Republicans are asking those questions. Boris, you need to stop that,” Donalds declared.

“Sir, I never said all Republicans. I never said all Republicans were bringing it up. Republicans brought it up and it was brought it up in conservative circles,” Sanchez hit back.

“You said Republicans plural, you just said that,” Donalds protested.

“Several Republicans did, it was going around in Republican circles. It is, Congressman. It is nevertheless, sir. Nevertheless, it’s a pleasure. It’s a pleasure to talk to you, sir. We do appreciate your time. Thank you so much,” Sanchez said as Donalds spoke in the background.

“This is the gaslighting…” Donalds could be heard saying.

“It’s not gaslighting, sir. We do appreciate your time. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. See you, sir. Stay with CNN. We’ll be right back,” Sanchez said ending the interview.

Watch the clip above via CNN.