The ex-president reiterated his assertions that Black voters empathize with him because of his legal troubles.
Former President Donald Trump reiterated his assertion that he cannot be labeled racist, citing his extensive friendships within the Black community as evidence. In a recent interview with Semafor, Trump addressed criticism from Black voters, stating, “I have so many Black friends that if I were a racist, they wouldn’t be friends, they would know better than anybody, and fast.”
He further asserted that some Black voters relate to him due to perceived discrimination within the criminal justice system, suggesting a shared experience. “They see what’s happening. And a lot of them feel that similar things have happened to them,” Trump remarked.
With efforts to court Black voters intensifying amid waning enthusiasm for President Joe Biden, Trump’s campaign has made targeted moves. He plans to visit a predominantly Black church in Detroit and recently held a rally in the Bronx to appeal to Black and Latino voters. Additionally, Black men are being considered as potential vice presidential picks, including figures like Rep. Byron Donalds, Sen. Tim Scott, and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.
Despite his assertions, Trump’s past actions have drawn criticism from some Black voters. This includes his involvement in advocating for the death penalty for the Central Park Five, as well as his propagation of birther conspiracies targeting former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris.
