Donald Trump’s campaign launched a “Black Americans for Trump” coalition in Detroit, aiming to attract Black voters who have traditionally supported Democrats. Trump held a community roundtable at the predominantly Black 180 Church, accompanied by Black Republicans Florida Rep. Byron Donalds and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, both considered potential vice-presidential candidates.
Trump praised Donald and hinted at his potential as a running mate, emphasizing the growing openness of Black men to support the Republican nominee. Polls suggest Trump could secure over 20% of Black voters against Biden, a significant increase from his 2020 performance, which could impact key battleground states.
However, Trump’s history of criticizing cities with large Black populations poses a challenge to his outreach efforts. His previous remarks about Baltimore and Milwaukee, perceived as racially insensitive, complicate his attempt to gain Black support despite his claims of benefiting the Black community more than any president since Lincoln.
The Biden campaign criticized Trump’s coalition, pointing to his past offensive remarks toward Black Americans and arguing that his last-minute outreach would not fool Black voters. They highlighted Trump’s claim of having “many Black friends” as inadequate to excuse his behavior.
In his speech, Trump also attacked Biden’s role in the 1994 crime bill, inaccurately attributing the term “super predators” to him. Trump defended his record, asserting his contributions to the Black community, while Carson praised Trump’s unique approach to politics during a conservative convention in Detroit.
