Former President Donald Trump Claims Indictments Appeal to Black Voters
Allegations Spark Controversy
Former President Donald Trump suggested Friday that his criminal indictments and mug shot appeal to Black voters, claiming that the challenges he faces resonate with their experiences.
Trump Connects with Black Conservatives
Trump addressed a gathering of Black conservatives in Columbia, South Carolina, on the eve of the state’s Republican primary, asserting that Black conservatives understand the effects of corrupt systems and discrimination.
“Black conservatives, Trump told the crowd, ‘understand better than most that some of the greatest evils in our nation’s history have come from corrupt systems that try to target and subjugate others to deny them their freedom and to deny them their rights. You understand that. I think that’s why the Black people are so much on my side now because they see what’s happening to me happens to them,'”
Mug Shot Resonates with Black Population
Trump also claimed that his mug shot is embraced by the Black population more than anyone else. He remarked that Black people walk around with his mug shot and even create shirts featuring it.
Reactions from Rivals
Betsy Ankney, the campaign manager for Trump’s rival Nikki Haley, expressed concern, highlighting that Trump’s remarks reinforce the chaos and controversies associated with his candidacy.
“‘This is just more of the same chaos, more of the same drama, more of the same baggage,’ Ankney said during an interview with CNN’s Laura Coates.
Biden Gets Accused of Being a ‘Vicious Racist’
Trump, known for his use of inflammatory language, seized the opportunity to attack President Joe Biden. He accused Biden of being a ‘vicious racist’ and called attention to the 1994 crime bill and Biden’s past association with segregationist senators.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks Continue
Trump’s remarks drew a mixture of reactions, with Biden’s team being contacted for a response. Biden has previously accused Trump of being the first racist president, referring to his use of racist dog whistles.
A Light-Hearted Moment Among Controversy
During the gala, Trump made a lighthearted joke about only being able to see the Black people in the dark room, iteratively highlighting his journey and, to some extent, acknowledging the diversity among the crowd.
“‘These lights are so bright in my eyes that I can’t see too many people out there. But I can only see the Black ones, I can’t see any White ones, you see, that’s how far I’ve come. That’s how far I’ve come. That’s a long way, isn’t it? These lights. We’ve come a long way together,’ he said as the crowd laughed.”
For media inquiries, please contact the White House press office.
This article is contributed by Ebony Davis
