Former President Donald Trump made a noteworthy appearance at a roundtable event with religious and community leaders at 180 Church, where his campaign launched a new black voter coalition. This move comes as a response to growing dissatisfaction within the black community towards President Joe Biden’s administration.
During the event, a Detroit pastor expressed his gratitude, saying, “President Trump, I’m so humbled that you would be here. President Obama never came to the hood, so to speak, right? President Joe Biden, he went to the big NAACP dinner, but he never came to the hood. So thank you.” Trump responded with a simple, “My honor,” as the crowd cheered in approval.
DETROIT PASTOR: President Trump, I’m so humbled that you would be here. President Obama never came to the hood. President Biden went to the big NAACP dinner but he never came to the hood—so THANK YOU! pic.twitter.com/WoeWe8M1Sm
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) June 15, 2024
Adding to the event’s significance, former Detroit Democratic Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who had his 28-year prison sentence commuted by Trump in 2021, endorsed the former president. Kilpatrick expressed his gratitude, saying, “I can never thank President Trump enough for what he’s done for me and my family by giving me freedom.” He emphasized the personal stakes of the upcoming election, highlighting the impact on families and individuals across America.
Trump was accompanied by prominent black Republicans, including Dr. Ben Carson, Rep. John James (R-MI), and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL). The Trump campaign emphasized that historic rates of Black voters now support Trump because they believe he can deliver results from day one.
A black business owner at the event praised Trump’s previous administration, noting the economic benefits felt by minority communities. “When you were in office, President Trump, the African American community, the Latino community, the Arabic community, we all soared,” the business owner said. “The money was pumping when you were in office. As a restaurant operator, I’m telling you that the money was pumping, and the money is not pumping now.”
DETROIT BUSINESS OWNER: When you were in office, President Trump, the African American community, the Latino community, the Arabic community—we all SOARED.
The money was PUMPING when you were in office… and the money is not pumping now. pic.twitter.com/HtdERBfixy
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) June 15, 2024
Following the roundtable, Trump is set to address Turning Point USA’s People’s Convention in Detroit. This visit to Michigan, a crucial battleground state, contrasts sharply with President Biden’s plans. Biden, joined by former President Obama, will be attending a high-profile fundraiser in Los Angeles expected to raise around $28 million.
The Trump campaign was quick to criticize Biden’s Hollywood fundraiser. Campaign spokesman Steven Cheung remarked, “President Trump will be campaigning and meeting everyday Americans in Detroit, Mich., an area decimated by Joe Biden’s failed policies. Meanwhile … Biden will be at a glitzy fundraiser in Hollywood with his elitist, out-of-touch celebrity benefactors that own him.”
This event in Detroit highlights the stark contrasts between the two campaigns’ strategies and their efforts to connect with voters. As the political landscape heats up, the battle for support in key communities and states becomes ever more crucial.