First Lady Jill Biden apologized on Tuesday for remarks she made on Monday in which she compared Hispanic people to tacos, prompting outrage among the Latino community.
Biden was at a San Antonio event called the “LatinX IncluXion” luncheon, when she referenced the traditional Mexican food in her speech.
Her reference sparked outrage among the Latino community and prompted the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) to state, “We are not tacos.”
Biden’s press secretary issued a statement on Tuesday apologizing for the comments.
During her appearance in San Antonio, Biden had said that UnidosUS President Raul Yzaguirre had “helped build this organization with the understanding that the diversity of this community, as distinct as the bodegas of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio, is your strength.”
The awkward blunder comes at a time when President Joe Biden’s approval rating among Hispanic voters has been dwindling.
‘Should Not Be Reduced to a Stereotype’
Following the first lady’s remarks on Monday, the NAHJ took to Twitter to slam her for the inappropriate comment, stating, “We are not tacos.”“Our heritage as Latinos is shaped by a variety of diasporas, cultures, and food traditions, and should not be reduced to a stereotype,” the statement added.
Others from the Hispanic community also took aim at the first lady’s comments, including Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who is from Miami and of Cuban descent.
“No wonder Hispanics are fleeing the Democratic Party!” wrote Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) on Twitter.
The first lady’s apology came shortly before President Joe Biden was set to meet with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador at the White House.