Donald Trump ignores his grass roots supporters and Black voters wait for their phones to ring
By 8 to 1, there are more billionaires than there are Black people in Donald Trump’s proposed Cabinet.
The former and future president has chosen more Cabinet contenders accused of sexual misconduct or enabling sexual abuse than Black nominees — Matt Gaetz, who ultimately withdrew as the attorney general pick; Pete Hegseth, whose nomination as defense secretary is barely running on vapors; Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services; and Linda McMahon, the education secretary pick being sued for allegedly enabling the sexual exploitation of children by an employee of World Wrestling Entertainment, where she was the longtime CEO.
During the presidential campaign, several Black Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, Representative Byron Donalds of Florida, and Dr. Ben Carson, who served as Housing and Urban Development secretary during Trump’s first term, stumped for Trump as high-profile surrogates at rallies and on cable news stations.
"Black GOP members must silently recognize that their party treats them like fancy towels put on display to impress company."
But wait ❗— it gets worse😳😥.
During the presidential campaign, several Black Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, Representative Byron Donalds of Florida, and Dr. Ben Carson, who served as Housing and Urban Development secretary during Trump’s first term, stumped for Trump as high-profile surrogates at rallies and on cable news stations.
This was especially true after Vice President Kamala Harris replaced President Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket. Their job was simple — to shield the GOP from accusations of racism, to toe the party line by denouncing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and denying the existence of systemic racism, and to have their loyalty rewarded with plummy positions in the next Trump administration. Scott and Donalds were even touted as possible choices for vice president.
That third objective has been a bust, and perhaps they’re the only ones surprised. This isn’t to say that there are no Black people in the Cabinet. Just as he did before, Trump chose a Black man, Scott Turner, who led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term, to serve as HUD secretary.
HUD. Of course.
In an ABC News interview, someone identified only as a “Black Southern Republican” asked, “Why is every Black person given HUD?” which they called “the literal Black job of the administration.” No Cabinet position in history has had more Black secretaries than HUD, and it’s looking like, for the second time, that will be the only Cabinet position offered to a Black person by Trump.
To be fair, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is the first Hispanic to be chosen as secretary of state. If confirmed, Scott Bessent, Trump’s treasury secretary pick, will be the first out gay person in that position. Tulsi Gabbard would be the first Asian American director of national intelligence. And Susie Wiles is the first woman named as chief of staff.
But, whereas President Biden created a Cabinet that “looks like America” with more women and people of color than any other in this nation’s history, Trump is putting together a team that reflects the America he imagines — mostly white, mostly male, and unfailingly loyal to him.
As usual, Black Republicans have been relegated to a familiar status. Republicans don’t mind showcasing them at rallies and conventions in an attempt to prove their inclusiveness — or rather, the colorblindness of their party — during a presidential campaign. But once the election ends, Black Republicans are largely left staring at their phones waiting for a call that’s probably never going to come.
During a CNN appearance last month, Donalds downplayed the dearth of Black people picked by Trump for his Cabinet. “What Donald Trump’s election is about is bringing competency and reality back to D.C. in the White House, making sure that the job gets done on behalf of the American people regardless of their race, regardless of their religion, regardless of their creed.”
While Donalds may believe that, it doesn’t speak to why Trump believes only one Black person belongs in his Cabinet. But, of course, no Black Republican in a party where some white supporters may already view their allegiance with racist suspicions dares to talk openly about the lack of diversity among the picks, lest they be accused of coming down with a terminal case of wokeness.
But, even if they won’t attach their names to it, Black GOP members must silently recognize that their party treats them like fancy towels put on display to impress company. Their performative purpose is decoration. And when the guests leave, those towels, after serving their limited purpose, slip out of sight again — just like the Cabinet prospects of Black Republicans.
That third objective has been a bust, and perhaps they’re the only ones surprised. This isn’t to say that there are no Black people in the Cabinet. Just as he did before, Trump chose a Black man, Scott Turner, who led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term, to serve as HUD secretary.
HUD. Of course.
In an ABC News interview, someone identified only as a “Black Southern Republican” asked, “Why is every Black person given HUD?” which they called “the literal Black job of the administration.” No Cabinet position in history has had more Black secretaries than HUD, and it’s looking like, for the second time, that will be the only Cabinet position offered to a Black person by Trump.
To be fair, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is the first Hispanic to be chosen as secretary of state. If confirmed, Scott Bessent, Trump’s treasury secretary pick, will be the first out gay person in that position. Tulsi Gabbard would be the first Asian American director of national intelligence. And Susie Wiles is the first woman named as chief of staff.
But, whereas President Biden created a Cabinet that “looks like America” with more women and people of color than any other in this nation’s history, Trump is putting together a team that reflects the America he imagines — mostly white, mostly male, and unfailingly loyal to him.
As usual, Black Republicans have been relegated to a familiar status. Republicans don’t mind showcasing them at rallies and conventions in an attempt to prove their inclusiveness — or rather, the colorblindness of their party — during a presidential campaign. But once the election ends, Black Republicans are largely left staring at their phones waiting for a call that’s probably never going to come.
During a CNN appearance last month, Donalds downplayed the dearth of Black people picked by Trump for his Cabinet. “What Donald Trump’s election is about is bringing competency and reality back to D.C. in the White House, making sure that the job gets done on behalf of the American people regardless of their race, regardless of their religion, regardless of their creed.”
While Donalds may believe that, it doesn’t speak to why Trump believes only one Black person belongs in his Cabinet. But, of course, no Black Republican in a party where some white supporters may already view their allegiance with racist suspicions dares to talk openly about the lack of diversity among the picks, lest they be accused of coming down with a terminal case of wokeness.
But, even if they won’t attach their names to it, Black GOP members must silently recognize that their party treats them like fancy towels put on display to impress company. Their performative purpose is decoration. And when the guests leave, those towels, after serving their limited purpose, slip out of sight again — just like the Cabinet prospects of Black Republicans.
Labels: Boston Globe, Cabinet, GOP, Renée Graham, Scott Turner
posted by Juliana L'Heureux | 6:29 AM
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