Trump Says He Loves Idea of Working With Chicago's ‘Top Gang Thugs’ to Lower City's ‘Body Count’ at Black History Month Event
The first Black History Month event held by the White House under Trump's administration was arguably one of the least pro-Black America events to ever be held. Period.
Not only did Trump stumble his way through a generic statement where he basically listed Black Americans in history that you would find on a specialty stamp, but he also managed to insult the city of Chicago and it's entire Black community.
At some point during the event, he called Omarosa Manigault his "television star" and a "very nice person." So, there's that.
When it comes to Chicago, President Trump and Pastor Darrell Scott spoke of the 'top gang thugs' willingness to work with the administration
Darrell Scott: But speaking of the community, let me just say this real quick… I was recently contacted by some of the top gang thugs in Chicago for a sit-down. They reached out to me because they associated me with you. They respect you. They believe in what you’re doing. And they want to have a sit-down about lowering that body count. So in a couple of weeks, I’m going to Chicago…
Trump: It’s a great idea because Chicago is totally out of control.
Scott: Absolutely. (Inadubile) We’ve got to lower their body count. We don’t want to talk about anything else; get that body count down. And they agreed that the principals can do it. These are guys straight from the streets. No politicians; straight street guys. But they’re gonna commit that if they lower that body count, we’ll come in, we’ll do some social programs. So they’re…
Trump: Well, if they’re not going to solve the problem, and what you’re doing is the right thing, then we’re going to solve the problem for them because we’re gonna have to do something about Chicago because what’s happening in Chicago should not be happening in this country.
Scott: But they want to work with this administration.
Trump: Good.
Scott: They want to. They reached out. I didn’t reach out to them, they reached out to me. They want to work with this administration. They didn’t believe in this administration. They didn’t believe in the prior administration. They told me this out of their mouths that they see (inaudible).
Trump: I love that.
However, while at the GOP retreat, Trump and other republicans laughed off Chicago's violence and blamed democrats
Which should come as no surprise being that Trump threatened to send in the feds if Chicago doesn't 'fix the horrible carnage'
What is missing from Donald Trump's remarks about Black history and the city of Chicago is empathy and understanding. It is not enough for the president to list off a few Black people that are often taught in primary schools and widely categorize the entire city of Chicago as a center filled with carnage.
During one of his debates with Hillary Clinton, Trump was asked by an African-American undecided voter if he would be "a president to all." At the time, he nonchalantly answered yes. However, based on his recent actions, we are all patiently awaiting the follow through.
