Trump Launches Black Voter Coalition Group, Targeting Democratic Support in Detroit Roundtable

On Saturday, former President Donald Trump's campaign launched its Black voter coalition group. This marked the clearest effort yet by Trump to target a voting bloc that has overwhelmingly supported Democrats in the past. Notably, this group has been unusually open to Trump in public polling.

The announcement of the coalition group came ahead of a community roundtable event at 180 Church, a predominantly Black worship center in Detroit. Notable Black Republicans present at the event included former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, and Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., and John James, R-Mich.

Trump's Statements at the Event

During the event, Trump mentioned that Donalds "happens to be on the list of potential vice presidents," and asked the crowd if they would like to see him. Trump also emphasized historic rates of Black voter support for his presidency, citing unemployment rates and household income levels for Black people during his time in office.

The launch of Trump's coalition group was seen as an attempt to mirror the Black outreach efforts of President Joe Biden’s campaign. Biden's campaign had previously invested millions of dollars into hiring, organizing, and paid media solely designed to engage its Black voting base.

Biden-Harris Campaign's Black Voter Coalition

The Biden-Harris campaign had launched its own Black voter coalition group, “Black Voters for Biden-Harris,” in Philadelphia at the end of May. This event featured a rare joint appearance by both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.