A Republican candidate for Missouri’s secretary of state has doubled down on her disparaging remarks about Juneteenth and Black Americans who “do not like” the country.
Valentina Gomez, a staunch Donald Trump supporter known for recording controversial stunts, released a video ahead of the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. hitting out at “ungrateful people” seeking reparations.
Gomez said in the video posted on June 18 that “black victimization is about to be shoved down our throats” and that African Americans should instead be “celebrating because they were born in the greatest nation to ever exist.”
“Here’s a tip; If you don’t like America, kindly, get the f*** out,” Gomez said.
Gomez, a 25-year-old immigrant from Colombia, has now defended her remarks and reiterated her stance that people should not seek reparations if they themselves were not slaves.
An attendee adjusts his Juneteenth-themed hat during a neighborhood festival in Washington, DC. Valentina Gomez, a Republican candidate for Missouri secretary of state, has defended her attack on the federal holiday.
Nathan Howard/Getty Images
“Straight White men built the roads we drive on, the buildings where we live, and the ones that fought and declared independence from the tyranny of the British for us to have freedom and the pursuit of happiness,” Gomez told Newsweek.
“To anyone that does not like America, GTFO [get the f*** out].
“President Trump is the Greatest President of All Time, and I look forward to accepting his endorsement,” Gomez added.
Gomez is one of eight Republican candidates running for secretary of state in Missouri. The GOP primary for the candidacy will take place on August 6. Trump has yet to endorse anyone in the race.
Gomez’s video in which she attacked Juneteenth was widely condemned on social media, especially from Black Americans.
Davon Magwood, a Democrat running for the Pennsylvania House’s 55th District seat, posted on X, formerly Twitter: “You immigrated here 15 years ago…impressive how fast you learned kissing racist butt is the best way to rank up in the GOP.”
Entrepreneur Christopher Bouzy added: “You immigrated to the United States in 2009 from Colombia. How about you and your family stick around for at least a generation or two before you start telling others to get out?”
This is not the first time one of Gomez’s campaign videos has been met with outcry.
In May, Gomez posted a video of her jogging through a pro-LGBTQ+ area of Missouri in a bulletproof vest. While running, Gomez said: “In America, you can be anything you want. So don’t be weak and gay.”
Gomez frequently uses “gay” in a disparaging way, and is seen wearing a t-shirt with the words “don’t be weak and gay” in her Juneteenth video.
In February, Gomez also posted a video of herself using a flamethrower to burn a pile of library books with LGBTQ+ themes, adding: “This is what I will do to the grooming books when I am secretary of state.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
