Trump questions Kamala Harris' race at black media event

Former US President Donald Trump has questioned Vice-President Kamala Harris' racial identity during a heated exchange at a convention for black journalists.

When asked if he agrees with some of his Republican colleagues who labelled Ms Harris a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) hire, Trump said he did not realise she was black until recently.

"I didn't know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black and now she wants to be known as black," he said. "So I don't know - is she Indian? Or is she black?"

Ms Harris' mother was Indian and her father black. She is the first black and Asian-American vice-president.

Trump's response on Wednesday at the event in Chicago prompted a heated exchange with ABC News' correspondent Rachel Scott, one of the moderators.

"I respect either one," the Republican said, "but she obviously doesn't because she was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a black person."

Ms Scott pushed Trump during the question and answer to clarify if he believes Ms Harris is a DEI hire.

"I really don't know, could be," he said.

During a White House press briefing on Wednesday, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called Trump's comments "repulsive".

"No-one has any right to tell someone who they are, how they identify. That is no-one's right," she said.