Culture
First lady Jill Biden apologizes after backlash over her comparing Hispanics to breakfast 'tacos'
"We are not tacos," said one Hispanic organization following the first lady's comment Monday.
July 12, 2022 1:30pm
Updated: July 12, 2022 7:29pm
First lady Jill Biden issued an apology Tuesday for a comment she made during a speech Monday in which she compared the Hispanic community to "breakfast tacos."
Michael LaRosa, the first lady's press secretary wrote, "The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community."
Biden was speaking Monday at the 2022 UnidosUS Annual Conference, "Siempre Adelante: Our Quest for Equity."
The comment came as the first lady spoke about the work of the group's president, Raul Yzaguirre, who she said, "helped build this organization with the understanding that the diversity of this community, as distinct as the bodegas of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio, is your strength."
Republican lawmakers, particularly those seeking 2022 reelection, seized on Biden's comment to further court members of Latino communities and to argue the Democratic Party is out of step with their values.
"No wonder Hispanics are fleeing the Democratic Party!" tweeted Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.)
