A New York Times reporter and a former Democrat senator who currently works at MSNBC were accused of racism on Tuesday over remarks they made on Twitter suggesting that Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson was a “thing.”

New York Times reporter Shane Goldmacher tweeted a photograph from the Trump campaign’s travels to Iowa that included a picture of Carson sitting on the edge of a seat in the middle of the photograph.

Goldmacher tweeted: “There is a lot happening in this picture, but also only one thing happening.”

Katrina Pierson, Trump 2020 campaign senior advisor, who was on the plane, responded by writing: “Oh, that’s right. Black people like myself and Ken Blackwell aren’t considered black unless we’re Democrats or kissing the asses of white liberals in the media. You may want to delete this racist tweet. I mean, why else would this photo trigger you?”

Oh, that’s right. Black people like myself and Ken Blackwell aren’t considered black unless we’re Democrats or kissing the asses of white liberals in the media. You may want to delete this racist tweet. I mean, why else would this photo trigger you? https://t.co/2FuQXkY7xL — Katrina Pierson (@KatrinaPierson) February 4, 2020

Republican strategist Arthur Schwartz tweeted: “Is @KatrinaPierson not black enough for you Shane? You’re a disgrace to your profession and an awful human being.”

The suggestion that Carson was the only minority on the plane is laughably false as Pierson; Small Business Association administrator Jovita Carranza; Ken Blackwell, Former Ohio Secretary of State and Advisory Board Member of Black Voices for Trump and Pro-Life Voices for Trump; and Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez were all on board.

The tweet that generated the most reaction came from former Missouri Democrat Sen. Claire McCaskill, who tweeted the same photograph, writing: “One of these things is not like the others. Hint: they made him squat in the aisle so he was visible.”

Pierson responded: “Only a closet racist would make such an incredibly stupid and non factual observation. There were several “things” on that plane. TWO OTHERS IN THAT ROW! You’re trying too hard, but don’t worry… You’ll see us soon in a town near you.”

Only a closet racist would make such an incredibly stupid and non factual observation. There were several “things” on that plane. TWO OTHERS IN THAT ROW! You’re trying too hard, but don’t worry… You’ll see us soon in a town near you. https://t.co/N8kK0ZjybH — Katrina Pierson (@KatrinaPierson) February 4, 2020

Donald Trump Jr. responded: “Hi Claire, Two problems with your tweet: 1. Dr. Ben Carson did not have a seat in this pic because he was sitting in First Class with my family 2. Dr. Carson is not a ‘thing,’ he is a world renowned, life-saving neurosurgeon. Anyway, how’s unemployment?”

Hi Claire, Two problems with your tweet: 1. Dr. Ben Carson did not have a seat in this pic because he was sitting in First Class with my family 2. Dr. Carson is not a "thing," he is a world renowned, life-saving neurosurgeon Anyway, how's unemployment? https://t.co/icZKsu9YFn — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 4, 2020

Fox News contributor Guy Benson responded: “There are two women of color seated right next to Carson. Do they count as people in the context of this nasty ‘point’? 3/5ths maybe? Oh, I’m sorry, does that racial demagoguery feel unpleasant and unfair?”

There are two women of color seated right next to Carson. Do they count as people in the context of this nasty “point”? 3/5ths maybe? Oh, I’m sorry, does that racial demagoguery feel unpleasant and unfair? https://t.co/GZvle8knS6 — Guy Benson (@guypbenson) February 4, 2020

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) responded: “You’re a racist and this is disgusting.”

You're a racist and this is disgusting. https://t.co/NsouxXXd2Z — NRCC (@NRCC) February 4, 2020

Political consultant Shermichael Singleton responded by highlighting McCaskill’s hypocrisy, writing: “@clairecmc, this funny coming from you. How many African-Americans did you hire during your time in the U.S. Senate? If I recall, you lost your Senate seat because of your inability to target and engage black voters. Oh, the irony of this coming from you — truly sad.”

@clairecmc, this funny coming from you. How many African-Americans did you hire during your time in the U.S. Senate? If I recall, you lost your Senate seat because of your inability to target and engage black voters. Oh, the irony of this coming from you — truly sad. https://t.co/sHPAiLIJhS — Shermichael Singleton (@Shermichael_) February 4, 2020

“This is like the pot calling the kettle black,” Singleton continued. “But let’s pretend our own records are clean, though, right? ‘McCaskill asked black leaders to push back on criticism of her campaign. No one would.'”

But let's pretend our own records are clean, though, right? ”McCaskill asked black leaders to push back on criticism of her campaign. No one would.”https://t.co/zoTWtQUWDj — Shermichael Singleton (@Shermichael_) February 4, 2020

The Trump campaign sent over 80 top surrogates to caucus in Iowa and later won in an absolute blow out with more than 97% of the vote — taking all of the available delegates — with over 99.9% of the precincts reporting.