President Donald Trump continued to over-exaggerate his support among Black voters in the wake of his racist attacks on Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings and the city of Baltimore.
Despite data proving otherwise, Trump claimed members of the Black community applauded his criticism of Baltimore during a Tuesday press conference. The president called the majority Black city a "disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess" on Twitter on Saturday. Additionally, he accused the city's Democratic leaders of abusing financial funds. Politico reports Trump's claims were made without a shred of evidence.
“I’ve received more phone calls than I think on any other subject of people from Baltimore and other cities corruptly run by Democrats, thanking me for getting involved,” Trump told White House reporters.
He did not mention who he spoke to or how many people, he only claimed his support among Black people was stronger than ever.
“Those people are living in hell in Baltimore. They’re largely African American,” he said. “You have a large African American population, and they really appreciate what I’m doing. And they’ve let me know it. They really appreciate it.”
TRUMP: "The African American community is so thankful. They've called me and they've said, 'finally somebody is telling the truth.'" pic.twitter.com/NTECr7MlGD
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 30, 2019
TRUMP: "The African American people have been calling the White House. They have never been so happy as what a president has done." pic.twitter.com/78IIdQKuuW
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 30, 2019
As per usual, Trump reassured reporters that he was the "least racist person in the world."
He also touted a low employment rate and other policies allegedly helping Black Americans to support his proclamation.
“People have called from Baltimore, thanking me so much. There's all that money that’s been spent — over 20 years has been stolen and wasted by people like Elijah Cummings," Trump said.
A Quinnipiac University poll released earlier this week found that 80% of registered Black voters think Trump is racist. The poll also showed 84% of Black voters disapproved of his job performance. His Black support has held steady at about 10% for a year now, according to The Associated Press.
Users on Twitter, ranging from politicians to political news junkies, were not convinced either. Many referenced the recent polling in their takedowns of the president.
Trump said lots of African Americans have phoned him because they are delighted with his comments on Baltimore.
Translation:
Kanye called twice— Brian O'Sullivan (@osullivanauthor) July 30, 2019
Trump said African-Americans called the White House thanking him for Baltimore.
How does one know a person’s race over the telephone?
How exactly does that work? Does the Oval Office receptionist say "Mr. Trump, the African American people are on line 2"?
— Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) July 30, 2019
Trump is consistent in his history of racism & vicious attacks on African Americans, from denying rentals to AAs in the 70s, calling for the execution of the Central Park 5, to denying Obama's citizenship, attacking black women, "The Squad" & now Congressman Cummings and Bmore.
— Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) July 31, 2019
Our country just experienced yet another mass shooting that resulted in 3 families losing a loved one. But instead of leading our country, @realDonaldTrump continues to spew out hateful & racist rhetoric against Black Americans. #RootOutRacism
#gilroyshooting
https://t.co/0VrFBAyrNP— The Black Caucus (@TheBlackCaucus) July 29, 2019
Apparently, Trump has a 13% approval rating amongst Black Americans.
Just have one question though.
What the fuck is wrong with 13% of Black Americans?
— ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? (@AlmightyAmadeus) July 30, 2019
Prior to attacking Cummings, Trump attacked the four freshman congresswomen, dubbed "the Squad," nearly two weeks earlier. He told them to go back to their countries of origin if they disliked America. All four lawmakers are American citizens and three were born in the country.
