I have plenty of friends who support Donald Trump, and every time I ask them why, I get vague or emotional responses. They rarely provide facts to back up their arguments, which leaves me scratching my head. Now, I understand some folks are Republicans, and that’s fine, but not everyone is on board with “Trumpism.” It’s been clear for decades that Black voters tend to support Democrats. But in recent years, especially among Black men, there’s been a surprising openness toward supporting Trump.
During a 2020 NBC Town Hall, Trump made a bold claim that he’s repeated often: “I have done more for the African American community than any president with the exception of Abraham Lincoln.” It’s a pretty big statement, but Trump rarely offers proper context. Let’s get into some of the things he’s done that he’s either claimed credit for or that people say have helped Black communities. I may not cover everything, but you’ll get the point.
The First Step Act – A Real Win?
Trump signed the First Step Act in December 2018 to reform the criminal justice system. This law made significant changes to the harsh “tough on crime” policies that, over the years, dramatically increased the federal prison population. Thanks to this law, more than 3,000 people have been released from federal prison early because of “good time credits,” which reward inmates with good behavior.
But here’s the catch – the First Step Act wasn’t solely Trump’s baby. The bill resulted from several years of discussion in Congress about reducing the federal prison population without compromising public safety. So, while Trump signed it into law, it wasn’t his idea from start to finish. He can’t take all the credit for the work that others have been doing for years.
Trump and HBCUs – Did He Save Them?
Another claim Trump makes is that he “saved” historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). In reality, what he signed was a 10-year renewal of funding that was already in place. Federal funding for HBCUs had been happening long before Trump came into office. While it’s great that he signed the bill, he certainly didn’t “save” these institutions. The funding continues thanks to bipartisan support from Congress, not some grand solo effort by Trump.
Trump’s Favorite Talking Point: Black Unemployment
One thing Trump loves to talk about is the low unemployment rates for Black Americans during his presidency. And yes, in May 2018, the unemployment rate for Black Americans hit a record low of 5.9 percent. But again, let’s give credit where it’s due – that downward trend actually started under President Obama. And even when Black unemployment was at its lowest, Black workers still faced disadvantages compared to their white counterparts, especially when it came to higher-paying jobs, even for those with college degrees.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which wiped out many of those gains. Black workers were hit hard and continue to be affected, as many were in frontline “essential” jobs, from grocery stores to healthcare. These jobs exposed Black workers to greater risks during the pandemic.
The Judges Trump Appointed: What Does That Mean for Us?
Trump’s lasting legacy may not be in the policies he claims credit for but in his judicial appointments. He appointed more federal judges than any president since Jimmy Carter. And here’s something to think about – none of those Appeals Court judges are Black. These judges will be making decisions for the next generation, and their rulings will affect issues important to Black Americans: policing, sentencing, voting rights, healthcare, and racial equity. That’s a pretty big deal, and we’ll be feeling the effects of it for years to come.
So, What’s the Polling Say?
In 2016, exit polls showed that Trump received about 8 percent of the Black vote, the highest for a Republican since George W. Bush in 2000. By 2020, support for Trump among Black voters grew to 12 percent. Still, 12 percent is a small number, but it shows that some Black voters are warming up to him, even if the reasons aren’t always clear or backed by facts.
Personally, I truly want to hear from Black Trump supporters about their reasoning behind backing the former president. Share your thoughts.
