On Wednesday (Feb. 18), President Donald Trump hosted a Black Historical past Month reception on the White Home, weeks after the backlash over posting a video on his Reality Social media platform depicting Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes within the jungle.
On the outset of his speech, he thanked these gathered on the occasion together with U.S. Assistant Lawyer Normal Harmeet Dhillon (who he would name Harmeet Diller) and Housing and City Growth Secretary Scott Turner. “Comfortable Black Historical past Month, Comfortable Black Historical past 12 months, Comfortable Black Historical past Century,” Trump acknowledged.
Alice Marie Johnson, a previously incarcerated lady who has change into Trump’s pardon czar, spoke to the group to defend him in opposition to racism allegations. “As you look out upon this sea of Black Individuals, this president hears you. This president cares for you. Don’t let anybody let you know that this president proper right here, Donald Trump, has not — is just not for Black America,” she mentioned. “As a result of he’s.”
From there, Trump’s remarks centered on repeating false claims concerning the 2020 presidential election, saying it was good “once they cheated on the election, they made me wait 4 years…we received by thousands and thousands of votes, however they cheated.” He would then brazenly muse about sending federal troops into Atlanta. “We might handle Atlanta. I’ll let you know what,” he started, “you oughta get them to name me. We might handle Atlanta so quick. They don’t wish to name. Don’t overlook – we transfer individuals out.”
Trump name-called well-known Black figures, together with the late civil rights chief Jesse Jackson: “He was a chunk of labor, however he was an ideal man.” He referred to as the late NFL Corridor-of-Famer Jim Brown “silent however lethal,” and likewise spoke of different athletic supporters: “At any time when they arrive out and so they say Trump is a racist, Mike Tyson goes he’s not a racist… Lawrence Taylor is a superb pal.”
He additionally spoke of his interplay with rapper and up to date MAGA devotee Nicki Minaj, commenting that she was “so lovely” and that he requested if her nails have been actual.
The responses to Trump’s remarks on the occasion have been quite a few, with some noting how his language at occasions was very “creepy,” and really self-serving. Others have been appalled at how he gave the impression to be very forgetful at sure factors, questioning his psychological health, a difficulty that has hovered over his second time period in workplace.
1. Amy Siskind