Bernice King Claps Back at Dr. Phil’s Comments on Hard Work and DEI at Trump Rally [Video]

Bernice King, the youngest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a prominent social justice leader, recently addressed comments made by Dr. Phil McGraw, better known as Dr. Phil.

During a speech at a Trump rally, Dr. Phil dismissed the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), claiming, “This country was built on hard work… Not on DEI.”

Dr. Phil’s remarks quickly drew criticism, with many accusing him of oversimplifying the roots of American success. Bernice King was among those who felt compelled to respond, offering a perspective grounded in her father’s teachings.

Taking to Twitter, she highlighted the historical context that Dr. Phil overlooked, shedding light on the exploitation that fueled America’s prosperity.

In her tweet, Bernice referenced Dr. King’s 1967 speech, “The Three Evils of Society,” where he called out the myth of hard work as the sole driver of capitalism. Quoting her father, she reminded her followers: “Again we have deluded ourselves into believing the myth that capitalism grew and prospered out of the Protestant ethic of hard work and sacrifice. The fact is that capitalism was built on the exploitation and suffering of Black slaves and continues to thrive on the exploitation of the poor – both Black and white, both here and abroad.”

Bernice emphasized that DEI initiatives are not just trends, but essential efforts to address historic injustices that continue to impact marginalized communities today. She added, “We must confront our history honestly. DEI isn’t a trend; it’s a step toward justice, addressing the systemic imbalances that linger from our past. Real strength is found when all people have an equal chance to thrive.”

As of now, Dr. Phil has not issued a public response to Bernice King’s comments, but her powerful message continues to resonate, sparking important discussions on social media about America’s history and the ongoing need for DEI.