Following the Supreme Court’s ruling that deemed Harvard and the University of North Carolina’s consideration of race in their admissions programs a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, former President Donald Trump wasted no time in expressing his satisfaction.
Taking to Truth Social, his preferred social media platform, Trump celebrated the decision as a “great day for America” and an opportunity to reward individuals with exceptional abilities and qualities necessary for success, which, in turn, would contribute to the future greatness of the country. In his post, he emphasized the importance of a merit-based system, stating that it would maintain competitiveness on a global scale and ensure that the nation cherishes its brightest minds.
People with extraordinary ability and everything else necessary for success, including future greatness for our Country, are finally being rewarded. This is the ruling everyone was waiting and hoping for and the result was amazing. It will also keep us competitive with the rest of the world. Our greatest minds must be cherished and that’s what this wonderful day has brought. We’re going back to all merit-based—and that’s the way it should be!
A spokesperson for Trump’s political action committee echoed his sentiments, attributing the historic ruling to the former president’s commitment to appointing justices who adhere to constitutional principles. The spokesperson asserted that Trump’s judicial appointments paved the way for ending what they deemed a racist college admissions process.
However, critics were quick to point out a contradiction in Trump’s stance on affirmative action. During his 2015 presidential campaign, Trump expressed a different viewpoint when questioned by Chuck Todd. In a conversation that resurfaced, Todd asked Trump directly about his stance on affirmative action and whether it should be maintained or limited. Trump responded by saying he was “fine” with affirmative action, acknowledging that it had been a longstanding practice and highlighting his amicable relationships with individuals affected by it. He also mentioned the importance of considering factors such as the free market and capabilities in conjunction with affirmative action policies.
This revelation sparked a response from the rapid response team of Trump’s potential 2024 rival, Ron DeSantis, who seized the opportunity to highlight the inconsistency between Trump’s past statements and his current celebration of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
TODD: Affirmative action: Should we keep it? Yes or no?
TRUMP: I’m fine with affirmative action. I mean, I think-
TODD: Should it be expanded, or it should be limited?
TRUMP: Well, it should be, you know, you have to also go free market. You have to go capability. You have to do a lot of things. But I’m fine with affirmative action, we’ve lived with it for a long time and I’ve lived with it for a long time and I’ve had great relationships with lots of people.
The contrasting positions Trump has held on affirmative action—previously expressing acceptance of it while now applauding the end of what he deems a racist admissions process—underscore the evolving nature of political perspectives and the potential for shifts in opinion over time. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these differing stances will shape the narrative surrounding Trump’s legacy and impact the upcoming 2024 presidential race.
