On Monday, Representative Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee, launched a scathing critique of Vice President Kamala Harris through social media, disparaging her as a “DEI vice president.” The term “DEI” refers to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” programs, which Burchett used to frame his criticism. His comments, posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his discontent with Harris's appointment, stating, "The media propped up this president, lied to the American people for three years, and then dumped him for our DEI vice president."

In a subsequent interview with CNN, Burchett continued his attack, labeling Harris as "a DEI hire." He revisited his criticism of President Joe Biden’s selection process, recalling Biden’s commitment during the 2020 presidential campaign to choose a Black female vice-presidential candidate. Burchett questioned this decision, asking rhetorically, “What about white females? What about any other group?” This comment underscores Burchett’s belief that Biden’s choice was influenced more by identity politics than by merit.

During a Democratic debate in March 2020, Biden had indeed pledged to select a female running mate but did not specify racial or ethnic criteria. At that time, prominent contenders included Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. Biden’s eventual endorsement of Harris as his vice-presidential pick led to her historic election as the first female and first Black vice president of the United States.

Burchett’s remarks are part of a broader pattern of criticism. Earlier this month, in an interview with Newsmax, he had similarly disparaged Harris. “When I hear her talk, I just scratch my head and think this is what DEI is really about,” Burchett stated. “It clearly is. She checks all the boxes. She'll say she's of Indian descent one day, then she'll say she's of Black descent. It's just box-checking.” Such comments reflect a wider skepticism among some conservatives about the legitimacy and impact of DEI initiatives.

Kamala Harris, whose career includes serving as District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and U.S. Senator, has faced DEI-related criticism due to her diverse heritage. As the daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, she has broken significant barriers, becoming the first female and the first Black vice president in U.S. history.

Burchett, who drew national attention last year as one of the eight House Republicans who voted to remove Representative Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker, continued to utilize DEI-related critiques in a recent House committee hearing. During the hearing on the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, Burchett directed his criticism at Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, declaring, “You are a DEI horror story.” This remark was part of a broader conservative narrative alleging that DEI programs contribute to various institutional failures, including issues with Boeing airplanes and the Baltimore bridge collapse.

The criticisms directed at Cheatle align with a broader conservative argument that DEI initiatives undermine qualifications and effectiveness. Cheatle, a 27-year veteran of the Secret Service, has been accused by some critics of lacking the requisite qualifications for her role. These attacks are part of a contentious debate regarding the effectiveness and impact of DEI programs across different sectors.

During the hearing, Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, questioned Cheatle about whether the July 13 attempt on Trump’s life could be attributed to DEI policies or systemic failures. Cheatle firmly rejected this notion, stating, “The incident on the 13th has nothing to do with DEI. The incident on the 13th has to do with a failure or a gap either in planning or communication.” Her response underscores the ongoing debate about the role and effectiveness of DEI programs, particularly in high-stakes situations such as national security.