‘Can I buy your hair’: Donald Trump sparks controversy over joke with young black girl

US President-elect Donald Trump has sparked controversy once again following remarks made to a young black girl at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

In a viral video, Trump complimented the girl’s hair, saying, “Oh, I love that girl. I love that hair. I want her hair!” He then jokingly asked, “Can I buy your hair? I’ll pay you millions for that,” prompting laughter from those nearby.

The girl replied she had voted for him and Trump said that he voted for her too. She was invited by him to sit in his golf cart for photos. While some social media users found the interaction playful and harmless, others criticised the comment as racially sensitive.

One X user commented, ‘How to say you are a racist without saying you are a racist.” Another added, ‘A grown man yells out that he wants to buy a young girl’s hair. That’s weird, joking or not.’

However, supporters defended Trump’s remarks, arguing they were meant as a lighthearted compliment. ‘People say that to kids to be nice,’ one user wrote. ‘If it was someone else you would say that is cute and the girl has nice hair.’ Another commented, ‘He’s trying to make the kids feel good about themselves and I guarantee it worked.’