On a recent trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Vice President Kamala Harris encountered an unexpected event as she clapped to music that, unbeknownst to her, contained lyrics protesting her visit.
The situation occurred outside the Goyoco community center and swiftly caught attention after a video clip circulated online.
The footage captures a moment in which Ms. Harris, sporting a broad smile, claps along to a lively beat provided by protesters. It wasn’t until the community center’s executive director, Mariana Reyes, discreetly informed her about the content of the song that the vice president ceased her applause.
According to the New York Post, the singer was singing, “We want to know, Kamala, what did you come here for? We want to know.”
“The vice president is here making history. We want to know what she thinks of the colony,” the singer continued. “Long live Free Palestine and Haiti, too.”
During her trip to the island territory, Ms. Harris — alongside Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Adrianne Todman, deputy secretary of housing and urban development — was met by protesters. One sign read “Kamala Harris war criminal” in a demonstration against the Biden administration’s support of Israel.
While there, Ms. Harris addressed the rebuilding efforts following the devastation left by Hurricane Maria in 2017. She declared that the Biden administration is dedicated to providing resources to local leaders and communities, further stating its commitment had already resulted in a $140 billion investment in Puerto Rico.
“What we all need to do then is just supply the community and the talent here with the capacity and the resources,” the vice president said in a statement. “President Joe Biden and I have been very intentional about what we are doing for the leaders and the people and the families of Puerto Rico.”
• Staff can be reached at 202-636-3000.