President Donald Trump on Tuesday asserted that Black Americans “love” him and are drawn to his message because, he said, they “know what it is to be scammed.” His comments came at a rally-style appearance in Pennsylvania, where he blended economic arguments with pointed remarks about race and criminal justice.
“Let me tell ya. Black people love Trump,” Trump told the crowd. “I got the biggest vote with Black people. They know a scam better than anybody! They know what it is to be scammed.”
Trump did not cite specific polling data to support his assertion. Independent surveys continue to show a wide gap between Black American voters and his level of support, even as some indicators suggest modest increases in recent elections.
Claims of Shared Experience
Trump went on to link his own legal troubles to broader themes of discrimination, saying that Black Americans relate to his portrayal as a target of the justice system.
“I think that’s why the Black people are so much on my side now,” Trump said, “because they see what’s happening to me happens to them.”
He also focused on his widely circulated mug shot, telling supporters that Black people have embraced it and worn merchandise featuring the image.
“My mug shot — we’ve all seen the mug shot,” he said. “And you know who embraced it more than anybody else? The Black population. It’s incredible.”
Campaign allies have made similar claims in past remarks. In February, Trump suggested indictments and legal battles have boosted his appeal among segments of Black voters.
Reaction to Trump’s remarks was swift. Critics called his language reductive and simplistic, saying his interpretation of Black voters’ motivations ignored deeper political and economic issues.
Political strategist Jasmine Harris, speaking for Democratic leaders, said earlier that Trump’s comments “insult Black Americans” and were disconnected from the community’s priorities.
National polls consistently show that a significant majority of Black voters lean toward Democratic candidates, though some Republican officials point to incremental improvements in support.
Trump also reiterated broader economic messages at the event, framing his presidency as beneficial for historically marginalized groups.
“I have been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln,” he declared at a separate panel with journalists in Chicago, according to a video of the appearance.
That comment drew both applause and boos from the audience, underscoring the mixed reception to his outreach efforts.
Trump’s remarks reflect a broader strategy by Republican leaders to expand their appeal beyond traditional bases. Campaign materials released earlier this year announced a new coalition dubbed “Black Americans for Trump,” touting economic and criminal justice initiatives aimed at African American voters.
But analysts caution such efforts face deep structural barriers. Despite reported minor gains in 2024, most Black voters continue to support Democratic candidates by large margins.