Donald Trump, throughout his tenure as the President of the United States from 2016 to 2020, made several statements insisting his administration has worked ‘hand in hand’ with African American communities. Here are some instances which highlight those claims and associated actions:
1. Criminal Justice Reform: Trump signed the First Step Act into law in 2018. This prison and sentencing reform bill, known for helping inmates reintegrate into society, reduced mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes and encouraged rehabilitation programs.
2. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Trump increased funding for HBCUs and signed a bill that made the funding permanent.
3. Opportunity Zones: The Trump administration promoted opportunity zones, economically deprived areas, where tax incentives are used to encourage private investment. The intent is to increase economic activity and job growth in these zones.
4. Unemployment rate: Under Trump’s administration, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the unemployment rate for African Americans fell to a record low.
However, there were several other aspects which received criticism. Critics drew attention to his handling of racial incidents and protests, his cut to social safety net programs, proposed changes to housing discrimination rules and the negative impacts of his tax cuts and tariffs on the African American community. Alongside these, his rhetoric on several issues was also seen as racially divisive by critics.
