In a shocking moment that went viral recently, Rich Lowry, the so-called editor-in-chief of the conservative National Review, had what can only be described as an honest moment, giving a window into the raw, racist undercurrent that fuels much of the MAGA movement and its “God,” former President Donald Trump.
During an appearance on “The Megyn Kelly Show,” Lowry used the n-word to describe Haitian migrants. He hastily caught himself and replaced the word with “migrants.”
Once critics started slamming him on social media, he quickly backtracked and falsely claimed he had said no such thing. But this momentary slip-up offered a glimpse into what many MAGA supporters truly feel, especially toward Black Americans and immigrants in the U.S.
Lowry’s remark on video is clear. But his comfort in using the slur, especially in conversation with Kelly, hints at what these individuals may say in private and how they truly view Black people, immigrants or not.
Even more disturbing is the context in which Lowry’s comment came — while defending Ohio Sen. JD Vance’s false claims about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, allegedly abducting and eating pets. These baseless rumors have already been debunked by local officials, but that has yet to stop Vance and his supporters from pushing the narrative, further stoking anti-Black immigrant sentiments.
Vance himself admitted the rumors were false, but justified his actions by claiming he had to create stories to get media attention.
Trump continues to spread lies at his rallies on the heels of those he attempted to proclaim during the presidential debate. And the racist attacks haven’t stopped at lies about pet-eating. Donald Trump, Jr. has gone so far as to suggest that Haitian immigrants are inherently less intelligent than others, an assertion with no factual basis, but one rooted in long-standing racist tropes. In an interview with conservative host Charlie Kirk, Trump Jr. said, “If you import the developing nations into your country, you’re going to become the developing nations,” as if human worth can be reduced to geography and IQ scores. Then, in Northern Kentucky, speaking at a political rally on a farm owned by disgraced former lawyer and past gubernatorial candidate Eric Deters, he said “pets are now being grilled.”
The reality is that MAGA’s strategy relies on fueling these racist ideas. A recent poll by YouGov found that a staggering percentage of Trump supporters — over half — believed Vance’s false claim about Haitian migrants in Ohio.
The purpose behind these fabrications is clear: dehumanize Black immigrants and create a sense of fear and disgust within the white voter base to help Trump win again.
At the heart of this wave of racist rhetoric is a deeper fear — the growing presence and influence of Black immigrants in the U.S. Black immigrants now make up 8% of the U.S. immigrant population, with many coming from the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa. This demographic shift, coupled with the rising influence of Black and Latino voters as a block nationally, has clearly unsettled many in the MAGA camp, who see their vision of a predominantly white America slipping away.
At the core of this fear is the recognition that the Black population in America is growing, and with it, their political power. The thought of Black and Latino communities playing a larger role in shaping the future of the country has terrified many within the MAGA movement. This is why they cling to these harmful lies so desperately — because the alternative, a more diverse and inclusive America, is something they simply cannot accept.
It is little wonder why House Speaker Mike Johnson is now linking the funding of the federal government for the new budget year with a mandate that states require proof of citizenship when people register to vote.
Lowry’s slip of the tongue, whether intentional or not, revealed a rare glimpse into the true motivations behind the racist rhetoric embraced by MAGA leaders. Even though he tried to walk it back, the damage was done, exposing the deep-rooted racism that underpins much of their political agenda.
This isn’t simply a case of misspeaking — it reveals a deep fear of change and the extreme measures taken to maintain white dominance. Immigrant and Black supporters of Trump need to wake up and recognize that they are being exploited for political gain.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Felicia J. Persaud is the publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com, a daily news outlet focused on positive news on the Black immigrant communities of the Caribbean and Latin America.
