The mainstream narrative about Donald Trump’s presidency has often been clouded with misinformation, especially regarding his achievements for Black Americans. Recent claims from political figures and celebrities suggest that Trump failed to deliver on promises to Black men, but a closer examination of his record reveals a different story. Let’s put the spotlight on the successes during his administration, cutting through the noise to uncover the real impact his policies had, particularly for Black Americans.
Economic Empowerment Like Never Before
Here’s the first myth to tackle: the claim that Trump didn’t deliver economically for Black Americans. The facts? Under Trump’s administration, Black unemployment hit an all-time low. By August 2019, the Black unemployment rate was at 5.4%, a number we hadn’t seen in decades. So, how did this happen?
It wasn’t by magic or coincidence. Trump’s administration worked to create policies that opened doors for everyone, including Black men. Deregulation and tax cuts through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 had a measurable impact. Black men—like their fellow Americans—found more opportunities in industries that had been stagnant for years. And Trump’s Opportunity Zones program brought billions of dollars in investment to underserved communities, many of them predominantly Black.
Let’s not kid ourselves—economic empowerment is the kind of progress people want to see. Jobs, upward mobility, the chance to build something for yourself and your family—that’s what real progress looks like. And Trump’s policies did just that.
Black Unemployment Rate (2016-2019)
Steps Towards Justice
Now, let’s talk about the First Step Act. This wasn’t just a buzzword; it was a bipartisan reform that changed the game for criminal justice. Trump made it happen in 2018, and the impact is still being felt today.
The First Step Act reduced mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent crimes and gave thousands of Black men the second chances they deserved. For far too long, Black men were on the receiving end of harsh sentences thanks to policies like the 1994 Crime Bill, which disproportionately affected them. Under Trump, criminal justice reform wasn’t just talked about—it was acted upon.
Trump gave these men more than lip service; he gave them the tools to get back on their feet with job training, sentence reductions, and pathways back into society. That’s not a talking point—it’s a fact.
Securing Legacy Through Education
When it came to education, Trump also showed up where others fell short. HBCUs have always been a cornerstone of Black education, but previous administrations didn’t exactly make life easy for these institutions. Funding was inconsistent, and they had to jump through hoops year after year to get what they needed.
Trump changed that by making HBCU funding permanent. This meant Black students and educators could focus on academic excellence instead of financial uncertainty. It’s easy to overlook how crucial this is, but when you think about it, securing educational futures for generations of Black students is no small achievement.
HBCU Funding Under Trump Administration (in Millions)
Harris: No Champion
Now, let’s flip the script for a second and talk about Kamala Harris. The media loves to push the narrative that she’s a champion for Black men. But if you look closely at her record, especially during her time as California’s attorney general, you’ll see a different story.
Harris’s tough-on-crime policies led to increased incarceration rates, particularly for non-violent offenders, many of them Black men. She even defended wrongful convictions, often prioritizing legal technicalities over justice. So when Black men look at her leadership with skepticism, it’s not misogyny—it’s justified concern based on her track record.
On the other hand, Trump connected with Black men by addressing the issues that mattered most: the economy, criminal justice reform, and community safety. He didn’t rely on empty promises—he delivered, and the numbers back it up.
A Diverse Spectrum of Beliefs
Here’s the real kicker: assuming that Black men will automatically vote for a candidate just because of their race or gender is flat-out wrong. Black men, like any other group, have diverse views and concerns. Many are drawn to Trump because his policies on job creation, justice reform, and safety resonate with them in ways that Kamala Harris’ don’t.
Labeling these men as misogynists simply because they don’t support Harris is a dramatic oversimplification. Black men, like all Americans, want real leadership—someone who delivers on promises, creates jobs, and keeps their communities safe. Trump did that.
Clearing the Fog
At the end of the day, the idea that Trump didn’t deliver for Black Americans is simply not true. His administration made real progress in areas that matter: criminal justice reform, economic empowerment, and support for education. Kamala Harris, on the other hand, left many Black men feeling disenfranchised through her policies.
Black men aren’t a monolithic voting bloc, and they have every right to evaluate candidates based on policies, not race or gender. Trump’s policies resonated because they tackled the real issues Black men face every day, and that’s something the media can’t just sweep under the rug. The facts are out there—now it’s time to set the record straight.
Table of Contents
- Economic Empowerment Like Never Before
- Steps Towards Justice
- Securing Legacy Through Education
- A Diverse Spectrum of Beliefs
- Clearing the Fog
