First Lady criticized for her speech at “LatinX IncluXion Brunch” in San Antonio

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden is being criticized by some members of the Latin American community and others for her appearance and speech at an event called the LatinX IncluXion Brunch.

The term LatinX is a gender-neutral term for Latinos that the group has widely said they consider offensive, according to a recent CBS poll. Some have criticized the use of the term in the name of the event at which Dr. Biden gave her speech on Monday, as well as some of the things she said in her address to the audience at the brunch.

“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,” Biden said in her speech. Aside from mispronouncing the word “bodegas,” Biden has come under fire for comparing Latinos to tacos. 

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists responded to Biden’s remarks in a statement on Monday after the brunch. “NAHJ encourages @FLOTUS & her communications team to take time to better understand the complexities of our people & communities. We are not tacos. Our heritage as Latinos is shaped by various diasporas, cultures & food traditions. Do not reduce us to stereotypes,” the organization Tweeted.

The First Lady has since apologized for her choice of words at the brunch event. “The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community,” said FLOTUS spokesperson Michael LaRosa.

Republicans wasted no time seizing the opportunity to pounce on the First Lady. “While the Democrat Party concerns itself with utilizing unpopular terms and reducing Hispanics to stereotypes, the GOP will continue to make inroads with the Hispanic community across the state,” said Republican National Committee spokesperson Macarena Martinez.