Former President Donald J. Trump addressed a gathering of the Black Conservative Federation on Friday, where he made direct appeals to Black voters, a demographic he and his campaign are actively courting.
Speaking at a gala hosted by the Black Conservative Federation in Columbia, S.C., Mr. Trump touched on his ongoing legal battles, suggesting that the challenges he faces resonate with Black Americans who perceive systemic injustices within the legal system. He remarked, “I think that’s why the Black people are so much on my side now. Because they see what’s happening to me happens to them. Does that make sense?”
Throughout his speech, Mr. Trump asserted that Black voters have warmed to him due to feeling marginalized and discriminated against themselves, drawing parallels between their experiences and his own.
Trump (Credits: AP News)
This sentiment aligns with his longstanding strategy of leveraging the theme of “law and order” to galvanize his conservative base, often employing coded language with racial undertones to criticize opponents.
His remarks underscored a concerted effort to expand his appeal beyond traditional Republican strongholds, recognizing the significance of Black voters who have historically supported Democratic candidates. Transitioning from the primary season, where he enjoys a dominant position, to the general election, Mr. Trump has increasingly incorporated references to Black voters into his speeches.
In these speeches, Mr. Trump frequently highlights what he perceives as economic gains for Black Americans during his administration compared to the current administration under President Biden. He also contends that the influx of migrants across the southern border disproportionately affects Black workers, posing a threat to their job security as immigrants are willing to accept lower wages.
