Jemele Hill and Kmele Foster debate capitalism on CNN

During an appearance on CNN NewsNight, The Atlantic writer Jemele Hill argued that capitalism is inherently tied to white supremacy and oppression. Hill contended that American economic power was built on slavery and that subsequent policies in housing and employment have maintained racial inequality and a wealth gap.

Political commentator Kmele Foster challenged these claims, arguing that capitalism is a system of liberty based on property ownership and mutually beneficial trade. Foster noted that slavery is an institution that predates capitalism and argued that the economic system has generated more wealth for nations than any other. Following the broadcast, Hill doubled down on her position via social media, maintaining that specific policies designed to suppress Black economic participation link capitalism to white supremacy.