MARYLAND NEWS – Rep. David Trone uses racial slur during budget hearing, issues apology

Mariah Cain, Staff Writer

Rep. David Trone used a racial slur during a budget hearing on Thursday. Trone remarked, “So this Republican jigaboo that, you know, it’s a tax rate that’s stopping business investment.” He has since apologized and stated that he meant to use the word “bugaboo.” Trone is currently running for the Democratic nomination in the Maryland U.S. Senate race against Democrat Angela Alsobrooks and Republican Larry Hogan.  

Trone in a statement remarked, “Yesterday, while attempting to use the word “bugaboo” in a hearing, I used a phrase that is offensive. That word has a long dark terrible history. It should never be used anytime, anywhere, in any conversation, and I apologize.” He continued, “I recognize that as a white man, I have privilege. As an elected official, I have a responsibility for the words that I use. Regardless of what I meant to say, I shouldn’t have used that language.”  Currently, Trone is leading in the polls for the Senate seat in Maryland.