Black men supporting Trump may seem confusing at first, but the reasons become clearer when examined closely. Disinformation, cultural influences, and the stakes of the upcoming election all contribute to this shift.
Disinformation About Democrats
Recent polling by the NAACP reported that around 20% of Black men under 50 support Trump. However, some Black pollsters caution against overreacting to these numbers, noting that these polls often lack depth and have small sample sizes. Besides, historically, a small percentage of Black men have leaned Republican. Instead of focusing on the polls, experts urge the need to mobilize Black voters, particularly Black men. Vice President Kamala Harris has launched a media campaign with an agenda tailored to address their concerns.
Disinformation plays a significant role in drawing some Black men toward Trump. Conservative operatives, both Black and white, spread false narratives through social media, exploiting existing frustrations and biases to build distrust toward Democrats. One of the most harmful narratives is that “Democrats have done nothing for Black people.” This claim distorts history, ignoring key civil rights achievements, such as the Democrats enacting the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, Fair Housing Act of 1968 and other critical laws that dismantled Jim Crow laws. Every Democratic president since then has contributed to these efforts, but disinformation continues to twist these facts, leading some Black men to question the party’s impact.
While it’s false to claim that the Democratic Party has done nothing for Black Americans, it remains essential to hold them accountable to address the evolving challenges of systemic racism. Coretta Scott King aptly stated, “Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won; you earn it and win it in every generation.” Her words remind us that complacency is not an option.
The fight for justice requires constant pressure, especially as racial disparities manifest in new ways, from biased policing to unequal economic opportunities. Democrats have made strides, from passing civil rights legislation to expanding healthcare and education access. Yet, structural inequities persist, often in subtler but equally damaging forms. We must demand policies that tackle these issues head-on, from reforming the criminal justice system to closing the racial wealth gap. The struggle for equality isn’t static, and neither should our advocacy be.
To achieve true progress, we need proactive efforts, not just reactive measures. This means not only breaking down existing barriers but also preventing new forms of discrimination. As King emphasized, every generation must earn its freedom. Our responsibility today is to ensure the Democratic Party continues this mission with urgency and tangible results.
Disinformation About Trump
Back to Trump who often claims that he has done more for Black Americans than any president since Lincoln, but this is outright false, patronizing, exploitation and deeply offensive. He inherited a strong economy from Obama, who led the recovery after the Great Recession. Trump coasted on Obama’s efforts until the COVID-19 pandemic, which he mismanaged, resulting in high unemployment and inflation. Stimulus checks, primarily pushed by Democrats, became necessary because of Trump’s economic mismanagement. Yet, many Black men mistakenly credit Trump for these checks, overlooking that Democrats initiated and fought for relief measures.
Before moving on from Trump, it’s crucial to address a common misconception among many, including some Black men: the belief that Trump has been a successful businessman. This notion is misleading at best. Trump wasn’t a self-made success story; he was born into wealth—far beyond having a silver spoon in his mouth, he essentially had a golden apron around his neck. His father, Fred Trump, gifted him hundreds of millions of dollars over the years. Yet, despite this massive head start, Trump managed to file for bankruptcy six times, revealing a pattern of financial mismanagement and failed ventures.
The myth of Trump’s business acumen was amplified by the reality TV show The Apprentice. John D. Miller, the former chief marketing officer at NBC who promoted the show, has expressed regret over the portrayal of Trump as a successful businessman, stating, “I want to apologize to America. I helped create a monster.”
This admission highlights how the show’s marketing crafted a misleading narrative of Trump’s business prowess, contributing to the false perception that he was a self-made success.
In reality, Trump’s business record is marked by significant financial failures and reliance on inherited wealth. Understanding this distinction is essential for voters, especially Black men, who may be swayed by false claims of financial competence.
Disinformation From Rappers
The influence of rappers endorsing Trump further complicates the issue. Their endorsements can make some young Black men see supporting Trump as acceptable or even desirable. This echoes tactics used in the 2016 election when disinformation propagated by rappers like Ice Cube convinced some Black voters to stay home, which helped elect Trump, for which he thanked them. The awful consequences of Blacks helping Trump get elected included right-wing judicial appointments that now threaten civil rights laws.
It cannot be overstated that when Black voters chose to stay home or cast their votes for Trump, they played a critical role in enabling the MAGA agenda, which has systematically dismantled many of the civil rights protections that Black communities depend on. These decisions not only weakened safeguards in areas like voting rights, healthcare access, fair housing, and criminal justice reform but also paved the way for judicial appointments that threaten long-term progress. By reducing Black voter turnout or redirecting support, Trump’s administration gained the power to push policies that harm Black communities, reversing decades of hard-fought advancements and reinforcing systemic racism.
Stakes Could Not Be Higher
The stakes in the 2024 election are once again extremely high for African Americans. A second Trump term could further erode civil rights protections and deepen racial divides. Steve Bannon has openly discussed strategies to secure long-term GOP power by manipulating Black male voters, underscoring the urgency of this moment.
In conclusion, disinformation is not simply misleading; it’s a deliberate attack on truth. It targets Black men, trying to make supporting Trump seem logical by exploiting gaps in civic knowledge and frustrations. Combating disinformation requires more than fact-checking. It involves engaging Black men in real political conversations, educating them on how government works, and equipping them with the tools to resist manipulation.
Frederick Douglass’s words—”It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”—are a reminder to focus on early political education for young Black males. Black parents and public schools must be held accountable for better educating Black children and ensuring that disinformation does not take root early on.
The African American community stands at a critical moment. If disinformation convinces Black men to vote against their interests, the consequences will echo for decades. This election is about more than political parties; it’s about defending democracy and protecting civil rights. Reject the lies, remain focused, and turn out at the polls. The future depends on it. Remember Trump is not merely a racist, he’s fascist that threatens the nation. I pray Black men are not the weakest link that allowed Trump to destroy the nation.